Is it unfair for one stadium in particular to host all major matches and tournaments? To some extent, we feel it is not

Let us begin by being blatantly honest about one thing – when the right to host the IPL final was stripped away from the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for whatever reason, we were disappointed. And this was not the first time; last year, too, the final was snatched from Eden Gardens, and the Narendra Modi Stadium was given the rights to host it. So, when crucial matches and tournaments disappear from iconic and historic stadiums, the fan base is never satisfied.

However, there are two perspectives to consider.

MCG to Wembley

🏟️ Today’s attendance here at Wembley Stadium is 43,917!

🏆 @AdobeWFACup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Oju9dgsVea

— Since 71 (@Since71Blog) May 31, 2026

It has always been natural for other countries to host important matches or finals at a single stadium. For example, in cricket, the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London is known for hosting the highest number of cricket World Cup finals, whereas the Melbourne Cricket Ground, apart from hosting World Cup finals, is also known for hosting major concerts of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Guns N’ Roses, Ed Sheeran and more.

Wembley stadium 1988 witness the magic✨️ of #michaeljackson the king👑 🐐 pic.twitter.com/gpSEKefekZ

— Joeyk🇮🇪 twXtter (@JoeyKaneDublin) May 31, 2026

And while cricket is played by a handful of countries, we cannot overlook football, especially in England and, specifically, at Wembley Stadium. For decades, Wembley Stadium has consistently hosted major tournaments and finals, including multiple FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship finals.

Thus the question is: if it is acceptable to football fans for Wembley to host important matches despite their allegiance to different clubs in England, can it become an acceptable norm in India?

No home-away

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Fireworks held at Narendra Modi Stadium after Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the final match against Gujarat Titans. pic.twitter.com/0XPbAIVYwu

— IANS (@ians_india) May 31, 2026

When the Gujarat Titans won the qualifier II and reached the finals, we were angry because we thought they would enjoy an advantage, given that the Narendra Modi Stadium is their home stadium. However, in the final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, both teams enjoyed equal support from their respective sets of fans, and Gujarat’s home advantage simply did not seem to exist.

From Narendra Modi Stadium last night #RCBvsGT pic.twitter.com/ONpB8Tk2ca

—  Reetu  (@Meri_Maa_hai_) June 1, 2026

In fact, the match was one of the finals at the stadium that displayed energy, which hardcore cricket enthusiasts have always pointed out as lacking in previous finals.

The revenue side of things

One cannot overlook that the stadium’s seating capacity of 1,32,000 allows it to generate more revenue than other iconic stadiums, even if 10 per cent or 15 per cent of the tickets are given away to members of the administration, VVIPs, and so on. Lalit Modi recently highlighted that the stadium's newness presents an opportunity for facility upgrades.

🚨 IPL founder Lalit Modi on Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/FBNYVbleQ6

— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) June 1, 2026

For fans who have been watching games at the Wankhede or Eden Gardens, it is tough not to see finals in these stadiums. However, unless the Wankhede or the Eden Gardens upgrade to higher seating capacity and modern facilities, we do not see a reason why the Narendra Modi Stadium should stop being favoured, given that it offers us an opportunity to make one of our stadiums internationally known beyond cricket.

After all, India is set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, and the stadium could be used for the opening ceremony and some events that could possibly be held on a cricket field.