Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Bengaluru and New Chandigarh have emerged as the leading candidates to host the playoff stages of the ongoing IPL 2026 tournament, India Today has learnt on Sunday, April 12. Discussions within the board are ongoing, and a final decision on the venues has not yet been confirmed. However, indications suggest these two cities are front-runners to stage the knockout matches, including the playoffs and the final.
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The development is linked to last season’s results. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and runners-up Punjab Kings (PBKS) have strengthened the case for their respective home venues. Aligning marquee matches with the home bases of the previous season’s finalists has been part of internal deliberations, making Bengaluru and New Chandigarh strong contenders.
This approach follows a tradition in the IPL where the home stadium of the previous season’s winners often hosts the final. Multiple factors are being considered before a final decision is made. These include logistical planning, travel arrangements for teams, broadcast requirements, and overall scheduling during the latter stages. Both cities have the necessary infrastructure and have previously hosted high-stakes matches, which enhances their prospects.
In the current season, Bengaluru is scheduled to host five games for RCB, with their remaining two games happening in Raipur. Bengaluru received the green signal to host IPL matches after getting clearance from the Karnataka government ahead of the ongoing campaign.
New Chandigarh is set to host four home games for PBKS before they move their base to Dharamshala for the remaining three fixtures.
So far, RCB and PBKS have played two home games each in Bengaluru and New Chandigarh, respectively. The league remains in its initial stages, and a decision on the playoff venues is expected soon.
With the league still in the intial stages, a decision on the playoff venues is expected in the near future. The confirmation is likely to add another layer of excitement for fans, especially with the possibility of seeing crucial matches played at venues closely associated with last season’s top teams.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
