Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that the schedule for the Indian Premier League 2026 playoffs will be announced within the next few days. While the league-stage fixtures were released earlier in two phases, the dates and venues for the crucial knockout matches — Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the final — are yet to be revealed.
The delay in announcing the playoff schedule has largely been attributed to logistical planning and external factors, including state election dates earlier this year. The Election Commission of India had announced polling schedules across multiple states, which influenced the release of the IPL’s second-leg fixtures.
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Saikia stated that the playoff schedule is expected to be finalised and made public within two days. However, he refrained from disclosing details about the host venues. Traditionally, the defending champions host the IPL final, which would make Royal Challengers Bengaluru the frontrunners to stage the summit clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Despite this precedent, the BCCI is treading cautiously. The board is keen to safeguard the league’s image following the tragic stampede in Bengaluru after RCB’s IPL 2025 title celebrations, which resulted in multiple casualties and injuries. Authorities, including the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), have since undertaken renovation and safety upgrades at the stadium, implementing recommendations from the Justice Cunha Commission.
Although reports earlier suggested that Bengaluru could host a Qualifier and the final, no official confirmation has been issued. With the playoffs approaching, all eyes are now on the BCCI’s final decision regarding venues and scheduling.
