IPL Finals and Ahmedabad: A growing trend that raises questions over balance and exclusivity

The Indian Premier League finals and the Narendra Modi Stadium have turned into a constant love story in recent years. Since 2022, the venue has hosted four IPL finals, and now, with the BCCI announcing the IPL 2026 playoffs schedule, Ahmedabad is once again set to stage the grand finale.

It is also worth noting that there was a pattern in the IPL where the final would often be hosted in the home city of the defending champions the following season. But this year, Chinnswamy stadium won’t host the marque event.

A noticeable shift in IPL final venues over the years

Since hosting first ever IPL game, the stadium has already witnessed four IPL finals and ready for the fifth one.

  • 2026 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
  • 2025 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
  • 2024 – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
  • 2023 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
  • 2022 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

A broader look at the numbers further underlines how Ahmedabad has surged ahead in recent years.

  • Ahmedabad – 4*
  • Mumbai – 3
  • Chennai – 3
  • Kolkata – 2
  • Bengaluru – 2
  • Hyderabad – 2
  • Dubai – 2
  • Johannesburg – 1

This shift clearly shows how Ahmedabad has become the preferred destination in the current phase of the tournament.

Growing fan sentiment around repeated finals at one venue

The pattern has not gone unnoticed. Fans across platforms have consistently questioned why the IPL final continues to return to the same venue. The debate has only grown louder with time.

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