IPL 2026 Second Phase Schedule Announced, League Stage To Conclude On May 24

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday (March 26, 2026) announced the schedule for the second phase of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The remainder of the league stage, comprising 50 matches, will be played from April 13 to May 24 across 12 venues in India.

Matches in the second phase will be held in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dharamshala, Raipur and New Chandigarh. The schedule was staggered because of the state assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam.

The first phase schedule was announced earlier, and concludes on April 12. The action resumes on April 13, with Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad. The second phase will feature eight double-headers, with afternoon matches starting at 03:30 PM IST and evening games commencing at 07:30 PM IST.

Punjab Kings will play their home matches in New Chandigarh and Dharamshala, including three matches in Dharamshala during this phase. Rajasthan Royals will host four home games in Jaipur, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play three home matches in Bengaluru and two in Raipur.

The venues for the playoffs will be announced at a later date.

IPL 2026: Full League Stage Schedule

The 2026 edition of the IPL was initially slated to start on March 26, which is when the Pakistan Super League's (PSL) 11th season is kicking off. The Indian league was eventually pushed back by two days, and will be held from March 28 to May 31.

A number of high-profile overseas players (like Daryl Mitchell and Adam Zampa) who went unsold in the IPL 2026 mini auction decided to opt for PSL. Conversely, a number of cricketers (like Dasun Shanaka and Blessing Muzarabani) who were set to compete in the Pakistani league withdrew from it when offered an IPL contract as a last-minute replacement.

The 19th edition of the world’s biggest franchise cricket tournament will open with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 in Bengaluru. The spotlight will once again be on MS Dhoni, as the 44-year-old gears up for what will most likely be his last season.