The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally lifted the lid on why Bengaluru lost the hosting rights for the IPL 2026 final, and the reason boils down to a ticket tug-of-war. According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) went far beyond the rules by demanding a massive number of extra complimentary tickets—including some for local politicians.
While cricket fans were already buzzing about playoff venues shifting to Dharamshala and New Chandigarh, the biggest shock came when the final was awarded to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, bypassing Bengaluru's iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Now, the BCCI has revealed that the decision was driven by KSCA's repeated requests for tickets that exceeded the standard protocol.
"As per IPL rules, host associations are entitled to only 15% of the total stadium capacity as complimentary tickets," Saikia explained in a recent interview. "This is the standard procedure for all state associations." However, reports started piling up that KSCA was claiming far more during the league matches—sometimes pushing for double or triple the allowed quota.
The BCCI decided to investigate and sent an official email to KSCA requesting clarity. What came back, Saikia said, left the board stunned. On May 2, KSCA responded by stating that on top of the 15% complimentary quota, they needed an "additional substantial allocation" for their members, affiliated clubs, and various other groups.
"Most surprisingly," Saikia added, "they also requested tickets for their local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs)." That request for political figures, sources say, was the final straw that tilted the scales against Bengaluru's chances of hosting the title match.
For cricket fans in Bengaluru, this is a tough pill to swallow. The city has been a vibrant IPL hub for years, known for its passionate crowds and electric atmosphere. But with the BCCI sticking to its rules, the final will now light up Ahmedabad, while other playoff fixtures head to the scenic Dharamshala and the modern facilities in New Chandigarh.
As the IPL gears up for another thrilling season, one thing is clear: ticket policies are no small matter. Whether you're a fan planning to catch a game or just following the drama off the pitch, this saga is a reminder that every seat counts—especially when it comes to hosting the biggest night in Indian cricket.