The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the IPL 2026 final, originally set for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, will now take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on May 31. This decision was influenced by 'political complications' related to ticket allocations for local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The BCCI's statement noted that operational and logistical considerations necessitated the change, and no playoff matches will occur in Bengaluru, despite the Royal Challengers Bengaluru being the defending champions. Political tensions arose when Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar demanded that each MLA receive at least five IPL tickets, claiming they should not wait in line. In response, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that three tickets for RCB matches would be provided to MLAs and MPs. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara defended the ticketing process, stating that tickets are non-transferable and can only be used by MLAs or their family members. The BCCI's decision to relocate the final underscores the impact of local political dynamics on major sporting events.