The IPL 2026 playoffs could face schedule changes due to rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and increasing fuel prices in India. The Chamber of Trade and Industry has urged the Union Sports Ministry to conduct matches behind closed doors and reduce the number of venues as cost-cutting measures.
The playoff stage is set to begin on Tuesday, May 26. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have qualified after defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS). Gujarat Titans (GT), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are still fighting for the remaining three playoff spots.
IPL 2026 Playoffs Behind Closed Doors?
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal urged Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to reduce the number of venues and limit crowd attendance during the IPL 2026 playoffs. He said that these measures would support national interests by lowering fuel consumption and reducing the tournament’s overall carbon footprint.
“Cutting down on air travel, matches without spectators and at limited venues will save millions of litres of fuel, petrol and diesel and reduce the burden on the country,” Goyal said.
According to the trade body, chartered Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft consume between 2,400 and 3,000 liters of aviation turbine fuel every hour. The report also claimed that a single IPL franchise uses nearly 50,000 to 70,000 liters of fuel through around 10 flights during the season.
Even During the Pandemic, the BCCI Did the Same - CTI chairman
The trade body chairman referred to earlier IPL seasons to support his proposal for changes to the tournament schedule. He said that the BCCI had previously conducted the league behind closed doors in bio-secure bubbles during the pandemic and suggested that similar measures could be used again if required.
“Even during the pandemic, the BCCI did the same,” he added.
The organization also claimed that every IPL match attracts nearly 50,000 spectators to a venue. According to the trade body, the travel of thousands of fans to and from stadiums adds extra pressure on fuel consumption during match days.
We Are Accountable to the Government of India - IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal responded to the growing calls for reducing venues and changing the playoff schedule. He said that the BCCI will follow any official instructions issued by the Government of India regarding resource management or tournament operations.
“So far, there has not been any communication to the BCCI to my knowledge. Independent agencies might have their views on certain things, but we are accountable to the Government of India. If anything comes from the government, we will look into it and certainly adhere to the directions,” Dhumal told The New Indian Express.
The BCCI has not announced any official changes to the IPL 2026 playoff schedule so far. The tournament started on March 28, and the board is continuing to monitor the situation closely before making any decisions.
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