IPL 2026: Phase 2 Schedule Announced With 50 Matches Across 12 Cities

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the second phase schedule for the TATA IPL 2026, with 50 matches set from April 13 to May 24 across 12 Indian cities. The league resumes with Sunrisers Hyderabad facing Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad. The phase includes eight double-headers and will determine playoff contenders, with venues for knockout matches yet to be confirmed.

The race to the IPL playoffs is about to enter its decisive stretch.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Saturday released the schedule for the second phase of the TATA Indian Premier League 2026, outlining the remaining 50 league matches to be played between April 13 and May 24 [1].

The fixtures span 12 venues across India, setting up a packed calendar as teams push for playoff qualification in the final weeks of the league stage.

IPL 2026 second phase schedule dates venues and opening match

The tournament resumes on April 13 with Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad, marking the start of a crucial run of matches [1].

Games in this phase will be hosted in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dharamshala, Raipur and New Chandigarh.

The wide spread of venues reflects the league’s pan-India footprint as teams travel extensively during the closing stretch of the season.

Double headers timings and team home venues in IPL 2026

The second phase includes eight double-headers, with afternoon matches scheduled at 3:30 PM IST and evening games at 7:30 PM IST [1].

Several franchises will split their home fixtures across multiple venues.

Punjab Kings will host matches in New Chandigarh and Dharamshala, including three games in the hill venue. Rajasthan Royals are set to play four home matches in Jaipur.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will stage three home games in Bengaluru while also hosting two matches in Raipur, adding a neutral venue dynamic to their schedule.

Playoff race intensifies as league stage enters final stretch

With only league matches remaining before the playoffs, the second phase is expected to shape the final standings.

Teams will compete across cities in quick succession, with limited turnaround time between matches, increasing the importance of squad depth and travel management.

The playoff venues have not yet been announced, the BCCI said, with details expected at a later stage [1].

For fans, the coming weeks promise a dense schedule and high-stakes encounters as franchises jostle for position in the points table.

The second phase will ultimately determine which teams advance to the knockout rounds and remain in contention for the IPL 2026 title.