Bengaluru, March 4 (.) The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced that Bengaluru will host a playoff and the final of the upcoming Indian Premier League season at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in addition to five league matches.

KSCA secretary Santhosh Menon said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has committed to allotting a crucial playoff fixture and the title clash to the city, marking a major boost for cricket fans in Karnataka.

“The play-off will be played in Bangalore. And the biggest news is the final of the IPL will also be played in Bangalore,” he said, while confirming that five league games have also been awarded to the venue.

He added that the city’s cricket calendar will begin with the inaugural ceremony, the date of which is expected to be announced shortly, followed by the opening match, five league fixtures, a playoff and the final.

“This is what the BCCI has committed to us, and probably they’ll announce their schedule shortly. We’re looking forward to these announcements from the BCCI, from the Governing Council, and from RCB,” Santhosh said.

Expressing confidence in strong fan turnout, he remarked, “The RCB roar is going to echo again in the Chinnaswamy Stadium.”

The allocation of both a playoff and the final underlines Bengaluru’s stature as a premier IPL venue, with the M Chinnaswamy Stadium set to host some of the tournament’s most decisive matches this season.

. . IM