BCCI announces the schedule of the second phase of IPL 2026

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) The much awaited schedule of the second phase of IPL has been officially released. Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026Setting the stage for an intense and decisive round of the tournament. There are still 50 league matches left to be played, with the league stage resuming on April 13 and running until May 24, 2026, promising an exciting battle for the playoff places.

Second leg resumes with a blockbuster clash

The second phase will start with an exciting match Sunrisers Hyderabad And Rajasthan Royals In Hyderabad. Hopefully this match will set the tone going forward, as the teams will return with renewed focus and urgency. As the league enters its business end, every match will be of vital importance. The teams currently hovering around mid-table will look to build momentum, while the leading teams will aim to consolidate their position in the top four.

Matches spread across 12 cities

To ensure wider fan engagement, BCCI has scheduled matches across 12 venues in India. The cities hosting the remaining league matches include Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dharamshala, Raipur and New Chandigarh. This diverse venue lineup not only brings fans closer together from across the country, but also introduces different pitch conditions and climates, adding another layer of complexity for teams as they strategize for important games.

The second phase will feature eight double-header days, giving fans a chance to enjoy back-to-back matches. These high-intensity days are expected to play a key role in shaping the points table, as teams can rise or fall rapidly depending on their performances. The packed schedule will test team depth, fitness levels and tactical flexibility, especially for teams dealing with injuries or form concerns.

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Home advantage and site adjustment

Many franchises would benefit from playing multiple games at their designated home venues. Punjab Kings will split their home matches between New Chandigarh and Dharamshala, including three matches at the picturesque hilly venue. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals are set to host four matches in Jaipur, giving them a solid home ground advantage. Royal Challengers Bangalore will play three matches at their home ground in Bengaluru, along with two matches in Raipur. These venue allocations can play a significant role in determining the outcome, as teams often rely heavily on familiar conditions to gain an edge.

While the schedule for the league stage has been confirmed, the BCCI has said that the venues for the playoffs will be announced later. This decision keeps fans and teams guessing, increasing the anticipation for the knockout stage.

IPL 2026 full schedule of league stage

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