'IPL Final Should've Been In Bengaluru': Shivakumar Blames Politics For Sudden Venue Change

Last Updated:May 31, 2026, 21:40 IST

Earlier, the BCCI moved the title clash from Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar, who is set to be sworn in as Chief Minister of the state, decried alleged political influence that led to the shifting of the IPL final venue from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru while the high-stakes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Gujarat Titans (GT) final was underway, Shivakumar said the finale was supposed to be held in Bengaluru and was relocated due to political reasons.

“The RCB match was supposed to be held in Bengaluru. We have been wronged. They have taken it there because of politics," he said. Shivakumar declined to comment further and praised the Rajat Patidar-led RCB for a good performance in IPL 2026.

“On behalf of the fans of Karnataka, fans of RCB, on behalf of the state of Karnataka, on behalf of the government, I wish them all the best," he said.

Why Was IPL Final Venue Changed?

Earlier this month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) moved the title clash from Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Traditionally, the IPL final is staged at the home venue of the defending champions.

“Bengaluru was originally designated to host the Final. However, owing to certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI’s established guidelines and protocols, the venue has been shifted and reassigned," the board said in a statement.

Multiple earlier reports suggest the shift may have been influenced by demands from local political figures, particularly after DK Shivakumar – then Deputy CM of Karnataka – said three free tickets per match would be allocated to MLAs and MPs in Bengaluru. While the BCCI has made no direct reference to these developments, the timing and the phrasing of “requirements beyond guidelines" had not gone unnoticed.

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