BCCI shifts Duleep Trophy final from Bengaluru to Chennai to allow spectators

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially moved the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2026–27 final from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The decision will allow fans to attend the summit clash of the red-ball tournament live from the stands.

The five-day final will take place from September 6 to 10. The venue shift was necessitated by government regulations governing the CoE campus in Bengaluru, which restrict public entry to the facility.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the relocation reflects the board’s commitment to making top-tier domestic fixtures accessible to supporters.

"The Duleep Trophy is an important first-class tournament in our



calendar and carries a rich legacy. The quality of cricket is always high, and we want fans to have the opportunity to watch the final live at the stadium," Saikia said.

While the final moves to Chennai, all preceding fixtures—including the quarter-finals and semi-finals—will remain at the Bengaluru CoE and will be played without spectators. Saikia previously noted that campus rules prevent the BCCI from opening the early-round matches to the general public.

The tournament begins on August 23 with two parallel quarter-final fixtures: East Zone will face North East Zone, while North Zone meets West Zone. Defending champions Central Zone and last year’s runners-up South Zone have received direct entry into the semi-finals, which commence on August 30.