The business side of IPL 2026 is officially just around the corner. To kick things off, the BCCI has made the official announcement regarding ticket sales for the highly anticipated playoffs. Cricket fans are already scrambling to secure their spots for the final four matches. Specifically, RuPay credit cardholders will enjoy exclusive priority access over the general public during the initial booking window.
To handle the massive demand, the new District by Zomato app has been appointed as the official ticketing agency for this crucial phase. These playoff matches will run from May 26 to May 31 across three stunning venues. Because only one team has secured a qualification spot so far, the fight for the remaining three positions is incredibly fierce. Consequently, getting your tickets early is absolutely mandatory if you want to witness these games live.
The Complete IPL 2026 Playoff Ticket Booking Schedule
Purchasing tickets requires precise timing because the booking windows open in separate stages. First, RuPay credit cardholders get a 24-hour head start on everyone else to buy their tickets. This priority window opens on May 20 at 7 PM for both Qualifier 1 in Dharamshala and the Eliminator in New Chandigarh. Afterward, the general public sale for these first two matches opens the following evening on May 21 at 8 PM.
The booking cycle repeats a couple of days later for the next set of games. For Qualifier 2 and the grand final, the RuPay priority access begins on May 22 at 7 PM. Following that exclusive window, the non-exclusive general sale opens on May 23 at 8 PM. Fans can access all ticket sales directly through the official District by Zomato platform.
- May 20, 7 PM: RuPay Priority Access for Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator
- May 21, 8 PM: General Public Sale for Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator
- May 22, 7 PM: RuPay Priority Access for Qualifier 2 and the Final
- May 23, 8 PM: General Public Sale for Qualifier 2 and the Final
Playoff Venues and Match Formats Explained
The postseason begins with Qualifier 1 at the beautiful HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on May 26. This initial match features a battle between the top two teams on the points table. While the winner books a direct ticket to the grand final, the losing team fortunately gets a second chance to redeem themselves in Qualifier 2.
The action then shifts to the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh for the next two high-stakes encounters. First, the Eliminator takes place on May 27 as a straight knockout match between the third- and fourth-place teams. The loser goes home immediately, while the winner advances to Qualifier 2 on May 29 to play the loser of Qualifier 1. Finally, the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the grand IPL 2026 Final on May 31. As the world’s largest cricket ground, this venue is hosting the ultimate title match for the fourth time in five years.
Current Playoff Qualification Scenarios and Team Standings
The race for the top four is creating immense drama as the league stage wraps up. Currently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru is the only team that has officially qualified. With 18 points and a massive net run rate of +1.065, RCB has effectively locked in a top-two finish.
Meanwhile, the Gujarat Titans sit comfortably in second place with 16 points. They only need one more victory against CSK to mathematically confirm their playoff ticket.
Behind the top two, multiple teams are trapped in a desperate scramble for survival. Sunrisers Hyderabad occupies third place with 14 points and can secure qualification by winning one of their two remaining matches. On the other hand, the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings are tied at 12 points each. Both teams urgently need back-to-back wins and external results to go their way. Further down, the Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, and Delhi Capitals still hold slim mathematical chances, but they require major upsets to stay alive.