BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia recently explained the decision to revoke the IPL 2026 Playoffs hosting opportunity from the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Saikia revealed that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had requested an excessive amount of complimentary tickets, surpassing the permissible limit of 15% of the total seating capacity as per IPL protocol.
Saikia stated that the KSCA was demanding a significantly higher number of complimentary tickets during IPL league matches, well above the stipulated 15%. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the KSCA was requesting an additional allocation of tickets for their members, affiliated clubs, and even local MLAs, totaling around 10,000 tickets, which far exceeded the allowed quota.
In response to the KSCA’s excessive ticket demands, the BCCI sent an email requesting clarification on the matter. The KSCA’s response, received on May 2nd, confirmed their need for a substantial number of extra tickets, prompting the BCCI to reconsider the hosting opportunity.
Ultimately, the decision to move the IPL 2026 Playoffs away from the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was made due to the KSCA’s breach of the complimentary ticket protocol. This incident highlights the importance of adhering to IPL guidelines and regulations to ensure fair and transparent hosting practices.
The announcement was made by Saikia during a recent press conference in Guwahati, Assam, where he also revealed the selection of Dharamshala as one of the new venues for the upcoming IPL playoff matches. The controversy surrounding the ticket allocation issue serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and compliance within the cricketing community.
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