The Duleep Trophy 2026-27 final has been shifted from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai to allow more spectators to attend the match.
The final will be played from September 6 to 10, while the preliminary matches will continue as scheduled at the CoE from August 23, the BCCI said on Wednesday.
“The decision has been made to allow spectators to attend the marquee domestic fixture and watch the final live at the stadium,” the BCCI said in a statement.
The tournament will begin on August 23 with East Zone facing Northeast Zone and North Zone taking on West Zone.
The 2026-27 edition has returned to the traditional zonal format, with six teams competing: Central Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone, North Zone and North East Zone.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said restrictions on spectator attendance at the CoE prompted the decision to move the final to Chennai.
“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.
He added that the BCCI had expanded coverage of the tournament. All Duleep Trophy matches will be streamed live, while one quarter-final, one semi-final and the final will also receive television coverage.
The tournament will run from August 23 to September 10.