Our Bureau
Chandigarh
The IPL 2026 playoffs will begin on May 26 after the league stage concluded with the top four teams confirmed, setting up a high-stakes finish to the season. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will meet Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, while Sunrisers Hyderabad will face Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.
Qualifier 1 will be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on May 26 at 7:30 pm IST, with the winner earning a direct spot in the final. The loser will get a second chance in Qualifier 2.
The Eliminator is scheduled for May 27 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, at 7:30 pm IST. The losing team will be eliminated, while the winner moves on to Qualifier 2 on May 29 at the same venue.
Qualifier 2 will decide the second finalist and is set for May 29 at 7:30 pm IST in New Chandigarh. The final will be played on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, also starting at 7:30 pm IST.
Playoff Schedule
- Qualifier 1: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans, May 26, Dharamsala.
- Eliminator: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals, May 27, New Chandigarh.
- Qualifier 2: TBD vs TBD, May 29, New Chandigarh.
- Final: TBD vs TBD, May 31, Ahmedabad.
The schedule gives the top two sides a chance to reach the final directly, while the remaining qualified teams must survive one extra knockout match to keep their title hopes alive. With all playoff games starting at 7:30 pm IST, the week promises a compact and intense finish to IPL 2026.