BCCI Makes Big Announcement : The wait for cricket fans is over. The BCCI has released the schedule for the second phase of IPL 2026. Earlier, the schedule was announced for the first 20 matches (March 28 to April 12). Now, the schedule for the second phase of matches i.e. from April 13 to May 24, 2026 has been released.
The remaining 50 matches of the league stage will be played in this phase.
The second phase of the tournament will be played in 12 different cities across the country including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dharamshala, Raipur and New Chandigarh. As the tournament approaches its decisive turn, the race for the playoffs is set to get even more exciting.
8 double headers in the second round
This phase of the tournament will be played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad on April 13. This match will also act as a preview of the exciting matches to come. A total of 8 double headers, i.e. two matches in a day, are scheduled to be played in this phase. The afternoon match will start at 3.30 pm. Similarly, the evening match will start at 7.30 pm.
Talking about the home grounds of the teams, Punjab Kings will play their home matches in New Chandigarh and Dharamshala, with three matches in Dharamshala this season. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will play four of their home matches in Jaipur. On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore will play three home matches in Bengaluru and two matches in Raipur.
The second phase will also feature two matches between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. The first match will be played on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, while the second match will be played on May 2 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both the matches are scheduled to start at 7:30 PM.
Playoff schedule to be announced later.
With the league entering its final stages, every match will be a do-or-die battle for the teams involved. A fierce battle is expected between the teams vying for a place in the top four of the points table, which promises to provide fans with high-voltage cricketing action.
However, the venues for the playoff matches are yet to be announced; the BCCI is expected to release an update in this regard soon. All eyes are on which team will secure a playoff spot in this second phase and move further in the title race.
