KSCA expresses dismay as Bengaluru loses IPL 2026 final hosting rights to Ahmedabad
Synopsis
Bengaluru's loss of the IPL 2026 final to Ahmedabad exposes cracks in BCCI-state association coordination. Despite KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad's personal intervention and the stadium's proven operational chops this season, the BCCI's opaque reassignment signals that hosting rights remain hostage to factors beyond infrastructure and execution.
Key Takeaways
BCCI reassigned the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad on Wednesday, stripping KSCA of playoff and championship-match duties.
KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad personally contacted the BCCI to lobby for hosting rights at the M.
Chinnaswamy Stadium .
KSCA highlighted successful execution of IPL matches in Bengaluru this season , citing positive feedback on crowd control and operational efficiency.
Dharamshala and New Chandigarh will host the remaining playoff matches.
KSCA stated it had not received a formal explanation for the BCCI's decision but respects the board's authority.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Wednesday expressed disappointment after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reassigned the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, stripping the city of playoff and championship-match duties despite earlier confirmation. KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad, a former Indian cricketer, had personally lobbied the BCCI to retain the hosting rights at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA's case for hosting
In an official statement, the association underscored its operational readiness and track record. Spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya noted that IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season had received positive feedback for crowd control, operational efficiency, and fan experience. KSCA argued that these metrics demonstrated its capacity to manage high-profile events of championship scale.
Behind-the-scenes lobbying
KSCA characterised its communications with the BCCI as purely operational and transparent, aimed at clarifying logistical and stakeholder needs for the playoffs and final. The association stated that such protocols have been uniformly followed since the IPL's inception in 2008, and were consistently applied this season, including during earlier playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The BCCI's decision
The BCCI announced on Wednesday that Dharamshala and New Chandigarh will host the remaining playoff matches, with Ahmedabad securing the final. The decision marks a reversal of the original scheduling, which had designated Bengaluru as the championship-match venue.
KSCA's measured response
While expressing dismay, KSCA acknowledged the BCCI's authority to make venue decisions. The association stated it had not received a formal explanation for the reassignment but said it
Point of View
And state associations' operational competence does not guarantee hosting rights. Venkatesh Prasad's personal intervention — unusual for a sitting KSCA president — underscores the desperation. Bengaluru's smooth execution this season should have been decisive; that it was not raises questions about what criteria the BCCI actually uses when it strips cities of marquee events.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the BCCI reassign the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad?
The BCCI announced on Wednesday that Ahmedabad will host the final, but has not publicly disclosed the reason for the reassignment. KSCA stated it had not received a formal explanation from the board.
What did KSCA do to retain the final hosting rights?
KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad personally contacted the BCCI to express the association's readiness and eagerness to host the IPL playoffs and final at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The association also highlighted its successful track record managing IPL matches in Bengaluru this season.
Which cities will now host the IPL 2026 playoffs and final?
Dharamshala and New Chandigarh will host the other playoff matches, while Ahmedabad will host the final.
What was KSCA's justification for hosting the final?
KSCA pointed to the smooth execution of IPL matches in Bengaluru this season, citing positive feedback for crowd control, operational efficiency, and fan experience. The association argued these metrics demonstrated its capacity to manage high-profile championship-scale events.
Has KSCA accepted the BCCI's decision?
Yes. While expressing disappointment, KSCA stated it fully respects the BCCI's authority to make venue decisions, even though no formal explanation was provided for the reassignment.
