BCCI Unveils Detailed Schedule for IPL 2026 Second Phase
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the schedule for the second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, marking a crucial juncture in the tournament. This phase will see the remainder of the league stage, comprising 50 matches, played from April 13 to May 24, 2026, across 12 venues throughout India.
Key Details of the Second Phase Schedule
According to an official statement from the IPL, the matches in this phase will be hosted in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dharamsala, Raipur, and New Chandigarh. The BCCI has confirmed that the venues for the playoffs will be announced at a later date, adding to the anticipation as teams vie for top positions.
The action resumes on April 13 with an exciting opener, where Sunrisers Hyderabad will take on Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad. This match is expected to set the tone for an intense run of fixtures as the tournament enters its critical stage. Fans can look forward to heightened competition as teams jostle for playoff berths in the lead-up to the final weeks.
Highlights and Team-Specific Arrangements
The second phase will feature eight double-headers, with afternoon matches starting at 03:30 PM IST and evening matches commencing at 07:30 PM IST. Specific team arrangements include:
- Punjab Kings: They will play their home matches in New Chandigarh and Dharamsala, including three matches in Dharamsala during this phase.
- Rajasthan Royals: They will host four home games in Jaipur.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: They will play three home matches in Bengaluru and two in Raipur.
Context from the First Phase
Earlier, the BCCI had announced the schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026, which will be played from March 28 to April 12. The tournament opener will feature defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A total of 20 matches will be played across 10 venues in this initial phase, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.
The first phase will include four double-headers, with similar timings as the second phase. Notable fixtures include the Mumbai Indians taking on the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, following the opener. The first double-header of the season is scheduled for April 4, 2026, with Delhi Capitals facing Mumbai Indians in Delhi and Gujarat Titans taking on Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad.
During the season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play five home matches in Bengaluru and two in Raipur. Punjab Kings will play four home matches in New Chandigarh and three in Dharamshala, while Rajasthan Royals will play three home matches in Guwahati and four in Jaipur.
As the IPL 2026 progresses, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere with teams competing fiercely across diverse venues, making this edition one of the most anticipated in recent years.
