MLA ticket issue can force BCCI to move IPL 2026 final out of Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium

The only time the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium hosted an IPL final was in 2016 when the Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

The IPL 2026 playoffs are around the corner, but the venue for the final is still not locked in. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia recently announced that the board will soon announce the IPL playoffs schedule. However, one major non-cricketing issue seems to be creating problems for the BCCI.

It was revealed a long time back that the BCCI is looking at Karnataka and Punjab to host the IPL 2026 playoff fixtures. However, Bengaluru, which was in line to host the final as per convention, is now under serious doubt due to an ongoing controversy involving MLA ticket demands.

IPL 2026 final venue still undecided?

As per a BCCI source, in conversation with ANI, the situation is being closely monitored and a decision could be taken to shift the final if things don’t settle.

“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,” a source stated to ANI.

Traditionally, the defending champions are given the right to host the IPL final. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning the title last season, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium was the expected venue. But this unnecessary drama is making fans wait.

What is the MLA ticket controversy?

The issue began when Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar publicly demanded that elected representatives be given multiple complimentary tickets for IPL matches. His argument was that MLAs are “VIPs” and should not have to stand in queues like regular fans.

Several legislators backed the call, pushing for at least five tickets per MLA along with access to dedicated seating or lounge areas. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also came under criticism, with some leaders pointing out that the stadium sits on government land leased at a nominal rent of INR 1,600 per month.

The matter escalated enough for Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to step in. A compromise was announced, with three complimentary tickets allocated to each MLA, MLC and MP for matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

However, even that did not fully calm the situation. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified that the tickets are non-transferable and can only be used by the MLAs themselves or their family members, pushing back against concerns of misuse.

Public backlash and growing pressure

The controversy obviously triggered a strong reaction outside political circles. Fans have criticised the demand for free tickets at a time when match passes are expensive and often hard to get. Social media has been flooded with criticism around The “VIP culture” was openly criticised, and rightfully so.

Interestingly, not all legislators have backed the demand. Some, including leaders S.N. Channabasappa and Suresh Kumar, have reportedly declined the complimentary tickets, citing public sentiment.

Despite that, the larger issue remains unresolved. With repeated disruptions and ongoing debate, the BCCI now faces a practical concern. Hosting a final requires smooth coordination, crowd management and a distraction-free environment. Right now, Bengaluru does not offer that certainty. Credit to the work done by the KSCA, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is finally hosting high-profile games after a horrific episode that took place in a stampede last year.