05 May,2026 03:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
M.Chinnaswamy Stadium (Pic: RCB)
The IPL 2026 playoffs and final locations are anticipated to be announced soon by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), while the final's location is still up in the air.
According to BCCI insiders, Punjab and Karnataka would likely split the playoff games, with Bengaluru facing complications that could prevent it from hosting the much-anticipated final.
According to a BCCI source, it is customary for the reigning champions to host the IPL final. However, disruptions are currently being caused by political issues in Bengaluru, especially those pertaining to MLA tickets.
"IPL 2026 playoffs and final venue will be announced soon. Matches likely to be divided into Punjab and Karnataka, the last time winner should host the final, but MLA ticket issue is creating problems in Bengaluru, and if there is no solution, then BCCI will move the final to another city," the source stated to ANI.
Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar previously proposed that each MLA be given at least five IPL tickets prior to the IPL 2026 opener between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), arguing that elected officials are "VIPs" and shouldn't have to stand in line.
After this, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said three tickets for RCB matches in the ongoing IPL will be provided to the MLAs and MPs.
The IPL 2026 points table as of May 5 indicates a very competitive league stage, with multiple clubs still vying for the coveted playoff positions. With 13 points from nine games and a high net run rate, the Punjab Kings are leading the standings.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans are close behind; they are all tied at 12 points but differ in their net run rates, with RCB having the top NRR.
At the bottom end of the table, the Mumbai Indians have 6 points from ten games, struggling to secure a top-four finish, while the Lucknow Super Giants languish in last place with just 4 points, their playoff hopes virtually extinguished.
(With ANI Input)
