The IPL 2026 playoffs venues are Dharamshala, New Chandigarh (Mullanpur), and Ahmedabad, spread across three cities for the first time in tournament history.
Specifically, the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala hosts Qualifier 1 on May 26, the New International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur gets both the Eliminator (May 27) and Qualifier 2 (May 29), and the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad stages the Final on May 31.
This article covers everything about each IPL 2026 playoff venue, including capacity, pitch conditions, how to reach, and what fans can expect on match day.
IPL 2026 Playoffs Venues At A Glance
Before we break down each venue in detail, here is a quick comparison of all three IPL 2026 playoffs venues.
| Feature | Dharamshala | Mullanpur | Ahmedabad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stadium | HPCA Stadium | New International Cricket Stadium | Narendra Modi Stadium |
| Capacity | ~23,000 | ~38,000 | ~1,32,000 |
| Hosts | Qualifier 1 | Eliminator + Qualifier 2 | Final |
| Altitude | 1,457 m | ~310 m | ~53 m |
| Home Team | PBKS (secondary) | PBKS (primary) | GT |
Now, let us take a closer look at what each IPL 2026 playoff venue brings to the table.
HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala (Qualifier 1 – May 26)
The HPCA Stadium (Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium) is arguably the most beautiful cricket ground in the world.
Nestled at an altitude of 1,457 metres above sea level, this venue sits right in front of the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range in the Kangra Valley.
In fact, initially established in 2003, the ground hosted its first international match, an ODI between India and England, in 2013.
Since then, it has grown into a regular international venue, hosting five matches during the 2023 Cricket World Cup and multiple IPL seasons as a secondary home for Punjab Kings.
With a seating capacity of approximately 23,000 spectators, it is the smallest of the three IPL 2026 playoff venues but arguably the most atmospheric.
Pitch Report and Playing Conditions
The Dharamshala pitch is known for offering a good contest between bat and ball, thanks to the high altitude.
Because the ball travels faster at this elevation, fast bowlers particularly get extra bounce, carry, and movement through the air.
Consequently, the average first-innings T20 score at Dharamshala hovers around 176, though totals above 200 are not uncommon in the IPL.
Moreover, spinners tend to gain grip as the match progresses, especially leg-spinners who can extract turn from the surface.
Dew can be a factor during evening matches in May, making chasing slightly easier. However, captains have generally preferred batting first here.
For Qualifier 1, expect the seamers to set the tone early, while the side batting first will look to post 180+ to feel comfortable.
New International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur (Eliminator – May 27 and Qualifier 2 – May 29)
The New International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, is officially known as the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
Named after the last ruling Maharaja of Patiala, this ground was first announced by the Punjab Cricket Association in 2010 and opened for cricket in 2021.
It became the primary home ground of Punjab Kings from the IPL 2024 season, replacing the older IS Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali.
Indeed, with a seating capacity of approximately 38,000 spectators, it is one of India’s biggest and newest cricket venues.
Furthermore, this venue hosted the Eliminator of IPL 2025 as well, when Mumbai Indians defeated Gujarat Titans to advance.
Pitch Report and Playing Conditions
The Mullanpur pitch is built on a unique sand-based foundation, which is a departure from the traditional clay or soil surfaces found at most Indian grounds.
In T20 cricket, first-innings scores typically range between 160 and 180, though totals exceeding 220 have been posted on batting-friendly days.
Importantly, fast bowlers get early swing and seam movement, while spinners find more grip as the match progresses, especially in the second innings.
The dew factor plays a significant role in evening matches at Mullanpur, often favouring the team batting second.
On the whole, teams that have won the toss here have generally preferred to bowl first, keeping the dew advantage in mind.
For the Eliminator and Qualifier 2, both do-or-die games, toss could be a decisive factor at this venue.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (Final – May 31)
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad, needs no introduction. It is the world’s largest cricket stadium with a staggering capacity of 1,32,000 spectators.
Originally known as the Motera Stadium, it was also completely rebuilt between 2015 and 2020 at an estimated cost of Rs 800 crore.
Since its reconstruction, the venue has hosted some of the biggest cricket events globally, including the 2023 Cricket World Cup Final and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup Final.
In the IPL, it serves as the home ground for Gujarat Titans and has previously hosted the IPL Final in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
In other words, the IPL 2026 Final will be the fourth time Ahmedabad hosts the title clash, making it the most frequent Final venue in the 10-team era.
IPL Finals History at Narendra Modi Stadium
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Margin | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Gujarat Titans | Rajasthan Royals | 7 wickets | GT won in debut season |
| 2023 | Chennai Super Kings | Gujarat Titans | 5 wickets | CSK won 5th title, Jadeja’s last-over heroics |
| 2025 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Punjab Kings | 6 runs | RCB’s maiden IPL title after 18 years |
Interestingly, no franchise has won the IPL Final at Ahmedabad twice. So the 2026 edition promises another unique champion at this venue.
Pitch Report and Playing Conditions
The Ahmedabad pitch is a blend of red and black soil, creating a surface that starts as a batting paradise and evolves as the game progresses.
In T20 cricket, the average first-innings score at the Narendra Modi Stadium is around 180+, with IPL 2025 games here averaging even higher.
Notably, fast bowlers get some help with the new ball, especially under lights, but the surface generally rewards batters who take their time.
Crucially, dew is a major factor at Ahmedabad during evening matches. The temperature drop from 35–40°C during the day to 24–26°C at night causes moisture to settle on the outfield and ball.
As a result, teams batting second often have an advantage, and captains frequently choose to bowl first after winning the toss.
For the IPL 2026 Final, the toss could play a crucial role, especially if dew sets in during the second innings.
Why Was Bengaluru Replaced as IPL 2026 Final Venue?
Originally, Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was designated to host the IPL 2026 Final.
However, the BCCI shifted the venue, citing that “certain requirements from the local association and authorities” exceeded the board’s established guidelines.
According to reports, this decision was linked to an MLA ticket controversy in Karnataka, where legislators allegedly demanded priority ticket allocations for IPL matches.
Consequently, the BCCI moved the Final to Ahmedabad, which has proven infrastructure and a track record of hosting mega cricket events without operational hiccups.
This also means defending champions RCB cannot play the Final at home, even if they finish in the top four and qualify.
IPL 2026 Playoffs Venues: Side-by-Side Pitch Comparison
For fans who want to understand what kind of cricket to expect at each IPL 2026 playoff venue, here is a pitch-by-pitch breakdown.
| Factor | Dharamshala | Mullanpur | Ahmedabad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg T20 1st Innings Score | ~176 | ~160-180 | ~180+ |
| Pace Assistance | High (altitude helps bounce and carry) | Moderate (early swing) | Moderate (new ball under lights) |
| Spin Factor | Increases as match progresses | Grip in 2nd innings | Black soil aids spin later |
| Dew Impact | Moderate in May | Significant at night | Heavy at night |
| Toss Advantage | Bat first preferred | Bowl first (dew) | Bowl first (dew) |
How to Buy Tickets for IPL 2026 Playoffs
If you are planning to attend any of the IPL 2026 playoff matches, here is how you can book tickets.
Online Platforms: Tickets are typically available on BookMyShow, Paytm Insider, and the official iplt20.com tickets page. Keep checking these platforms regularly, as playoff tickets sell out fast.
Offline/Box Office: Stadium box offices may offer tickets on select days, subject to availability. However, demand for playoff matches is significantly higher than league games.
Pricing: Ticket prices vary by venue and stand. General stand tickets can start from around Rs 500 to Rs 1,000, while premium and VIP options can go up to Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000+.
Also, carry a valid photo ID to the stadium, as entry checks have become stricter across all IPL venues.
Final Verdict
The IPL 2026 playoffs venues offer three distinct cricket experiences, from the Himalayan beauty of Dharamshala to the modern infrastructure of Mullanpur and the grand spectacle of Ahmedabad.
Whether you are watching from the stands or streaming at home, each venue is set to deliver a unique flavour of playoff cricket.
With the knockouts just weeks away, make sure you plan your travel, book tickets early, and get ready for one of the most exciting finishes in IPL history!
