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IPL 2026 Playoffs From May 26, Final in Ahmedabad

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Ahmedabad
  • May 06, 2026
  • 488

The Indian Premier League has formally unveiled the schedule for its 2026 playoffs, setting the stage for the tournament’s decisive phase between May 26 and May 31.

The playoff announcement was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Tuesday, confirming that the knockout rounds will begin after the completion of the 70-match league stage. As of May 5, a total of 48 matches had already been played, with teams jostling for the top four spots on the points table.

Playoff Structure and Venues

The playoffs will follow the established IPL format involving Qualifier 1, Eliminator, and Qualifier 2:

  • Qualifier 1 (May 26):
    To be held at the HPCA Stadium, this match will feature the top two teams in the standings. The winner will secure a direct berth in the final, while the losing side will get another chance in Qualifier 2.
  • Eliminator (May 27):
    The action will then shift to the New International Cricket Stadium. The teams finishing third and fourth will face off in a knockout clash, where the loser will be eliminated from the tournament.
  • Qualifier 2 (May 29):
    Also in Chandigarh, this match will be played between the loser of Qualifier 1 and the winner of the Eliminator. The winner of this contest will advance to the final.

Grand Finale in Ahmedabad

The much-anticipated final is scheduled for May 31 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium—the world’s largest cricket stadium. This will be the second consecutive year that Ahmedabad hosts the IPL final, underlining its status as a premier venue for marquee matches.

In the 2025 season, the same venue witnessed Royal Challengers Bangalore clinch their maiden IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings in the final.

Competitive Context

With more than two-thirds of the league stage already completed, the race to the playoffs is intensifying. Teams are competing not just for qualification but also for a top-two finish, which offers a significant strategic advantage via the Qualifier 1 route.

The 2026 playoffs promise high-stakes cricket, with tight turnarounds between matches, varied playing conditions across venues, and mounting pressure as franchises chase the coveted IPL trophy.