IPL 2026: ‘Unfair for RCB’, BCCI receives backlash on social media after announcement of final venue
Fans compare Eden Gardens in Kolkata with Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad
The Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the playoffs schedule for the Tata Indian Premiere League (IPL) 2026, through an official advisory, after which fans started questioning the decision to host the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31.
The decision received massive backlash from fans on the official page of IPL on Instagram, as they were expecting the final match to happen at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the home ground of the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
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A user commented on the post, “It’s unfair for RCB..WHY?” while another comment read, “Really boring to see all important matches given to Ahmedabad. Show some spine BCCI.”
Some of the fans also drew a comparison between the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Narendra Modi Stadium and wrote, “Eden Gardens is far better than your Narendra Modi Stadium.”
Another comment read, “I mean what about Eden Gardens.” Few fans also commented on how the RCB and Bengaluru fans build all the hype around the tournament but don’t get a chance to host the final despite being the defending champions.
“So Bengaluru builds the hype and Ahmedabad gets the finale?” added a comment.
The BCCI, in its advisory mentioned, “Due to operational and logistical considerations, the playoffs will be conducted across three venues.”
While the board did considered Bengaluru initially for the final match, the advisory added that “certain requirements and authorities were beyond the scope of BCCI’s established guidelines and protocols”.
Schedule
Qualifier 1 – May 26 – HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
Eliminator – May 27 – New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
Qualifier 2 – May 29 – New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
Final – May 31 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
