Qualifier 1 will take place on May 26 at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The Eliminator is set for May 27 at New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Qualifier 2 will occur on May 29 at the same venue.

The final is scheduled for May 31 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This marks the fourth time in five years that Ahmedabad has hosted the IPL final.

BCCI officials stated, “Bengaluru was originally designated to host the Final. However, owing to certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI’s established guidelines and protocols, the venue has been shifted and reassigned.” They also emphasized that special operational and logistical considerations necessitated the change.

Ahmedabad has become a key location for the IPL finale, having staged the decider in previous years: 2022, 2023, and 2025. The playoffs will feature a total of 70 league matches before determining the finalists.

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The upcoming IPL 2026 match between Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans is set to be a significant event, with Yuzvendra Chahal expected to lead the spin attack for Punjab Kings. This match, scheduled for March 31, 2026, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, marks the fourth game of the season.

Chahal’s performance in the previous IPL season was notable, as he took 16 wickets in 14 matches, showcasing his ability to impact games significantly. His best performance last season was against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he claimed 4 wickets for just 28 runs. This level of performance positions him as a key player for Punjab Kings, who finished as runners-up in the last IPL season.

Historically, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans have faced each other six times in IPL history, with both teams winning three matches each. This balanced head-to-head record adds an intriguing layer to their upcoming clash.

Shreyas Iyer will captain the Punjab Kings, bringing leadership experience to the team. The average first-innings score at the Mullanpur venue is around 170, which will be a crucial factor for both teams as they strategize for the match.

The weather on match day is expected to be warm, with temperatures around 31°C, which could influence player performance and match dynamics. Fans and analysts alike are keenly anticipating how Chahal will perform under these conditions.

As the match approaches, the excitement builds around Chahal’s potential contributions and the overall performance of the Punjab Kings against a competitive Gujarat Titans side. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the team lineup or player conditions.

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The anticipation for the upcoming match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in Mullanpur on March 31, 2026, is palpable. Both teams have had a strong showing in the previous IPL season, with PBKS finishing as runners-up after a narrow defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the final, while GT faced elimination against Mumbai Indians in the eliminator.

Historically, the rivalry between PBKS and GT has been closely contested, with both teams winning three matches each in their six encounters. The last time they met, PBKS edged out GT by 11 runs in their first match of the 2025 season, showcasing the competitive nature of their matchups.

As the match approaches, the excitement is heightened by the venue’s capacity to host up to 38,000 spectators. Cricket fans are eager to witness the action live, with the match scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST, preceded by the toss at 7:00 PM IST. The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network and streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website.

However, both teams face challenges heading into this match. PBKS will be without Lockie Ferguson, who is set to miss the early stages of IPL 2026. In a strategic move, Cooper Connolly has been drafted into the PBKS squad to fill the gap left by Josh Inglis.

The highest IPL total recorded at Mullanpur stands at 228/5, achieved by Mumbai Indians against Gujarat, indicating that high-scoring games are possible at this venue. This adds an extra layer of intrigue as both teams prepare their strategies for the match.

Expert opinions suggest that the absence of key players could significantly impact PBKS’s performance, while GT will look to capitalize on this opportunity to gain the upper hand. The stakes are high, and both teams are expected to bring their A-game to the field.

As the countdown to the match continues, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how this rivalry unfolds. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the season, making this clash a pivotal moment in IPL 2026.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the teams or conditions that could affect the match. Nonetheless, the excitement surrounding the pbks vs gt matchup remains undiminished as both teams prepare for battle.

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