Karnataka Chief Minister-elect DK Shivakumar congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on winning their second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title but strongly criticised the decision to shift the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad.
Shivakumar said in the wake of RCB's historic victory that Karnataka had been denied its rightful opportunity to host the final and suggested that the decision was influenced by politics.
"The IPL final match should have been held in Bengaluru. Injustice has been done to us. Because of politics, they held it at a different venue. I won't speak much about it," Shivakumar said.
But he was proud of the franchise for its achievement and congratulated the state on behalf of the state.
He added: "I congratulate them on behalf of the RCB fans in Karnataka and the state government."
RCB Retain IPL Crown
Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their title on May 31, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar chose to bowl first. Gujarat Titans made 155 for 8 in 20 overs, but RCB comfortably chased down the target to win their second IPL trophy and become back-to-back champions.
The winning moment came when Virat Kohli hit an overhead six, and RCB supporters in the country erupted.
Why Was the IPL Final Shifted?
Defending champions are typically awarded hosting rights for the next season's IPL final. As the current champions, RCB were expected to host the 2026 final in Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) moved the marquee clash to Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium.
According to reports, the BCCI cited requirements from local authorities and the state association that went beyond the board’s rules and procedures. One of the big problems was that local authorities and officials requested tickets that exceeded the board's standard policy and created logistical challenges, given the stadium's limited seating capacity.
The venue decision was also in tune with the tragic events that occurred following RCB’s first IPL title celebrations in 2025, when 11 people lost their lives, and several others were injured in a crowd crush outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Leaders Hail RCB's Achievement
Despite being disappointed in the venue change, Shivakumar joined several political leaders in celebrating RCB's success.
In separate messages, both the chief minister-designate and the outgoing chief minister congratulated the players, coaching staff, management, and millions of fans for helping the franchise achieve another memorable IPL triumph.
RCB's title defence has further solidified the team's legacy in the tournament, as the Bengaluru-based franchise is now one of the few teams in IPL history to win consecutive championships.
