The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule for the playoffs of the Indian Premier League 2026, which is the final phase of the tournament after 70 league-stage matches. Qualifier 1, featuring the top two teams in the points table, will be played on May 26. The winner of this match will secure a direct place in the final.
The next match would be the Eliminator on May 27 between the third and fourth-placed teams. This will be followed by Qualifier 2 on May 29, where the loser of Qualifier 1 will take on the winner of the Eliminator to decide the second finalist.
The tournament will conclude with the final on May 31.
Here's IPL 2026 Playoffs Schedule
Qualifier 1: May 26, Dharamshala
Eliminator: May 27, New Chandigarh
Qualifier 2: May 29, New Chandigarh
Final: May 31, Ahmedabad
ALSO READ: IPL 2026 Playoff Scenarios: PBKS, RCB Close In On Qualification; What CSK Need To Do To Stay Alive
According to the BCCI, the playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season as a special case due to operational and logistical considerations.
Why Bengaluru Missed Out On Hosting IPL 2026 Final
Bengaluru was originally scheduled to host the final, in line with the IPL's practice of staging the title clash at the home ground of the reigning champions. Accordingly, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, home to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the previous edition's winners, had been designated as the venue for the final. But it has now been reassigned owing to certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of the BCCI's established guidelines and protocols.
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