IPL 2026 Full Schedule (Phase 1 and 2) | BCCI Reveals Second Phase Fixtures Announced, Dates, Venues and Key Matches

IPL 2026 Full Schedule (Phase1 and 2): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially released the complete schedule of the TATA IPL 2026, including the much-awaited second phase fixtures. With clarity now in place, fans can track every match, venue, and key clash as the tournament moves toward its business end.

BCCI announces schedule for second phase of TATA IPL 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today announced the schedule for the second phase of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The remainder of the league stage, comprising 50 matches, will be played from April 13 to May 24, 2026, 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. As the tournament enters a crucial phase, teams will compete across venues for a place in the playoffs, with the race expected to intensify through the latter half of the league stage.

The action resumes on April 13, 2026, with Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad, setting the tone for an exciting run of fixtures.

This year’s IPL is being played in two phases due to assembly elections, making the scheduling slightly different from previous editions.

Overview of IPL 2026 Tournament

The season features 74 matches, with each team playing 7 home and 7 away games, maintaining the standard IPL format.

IPL 2026 Schedule/ IPL Today Match:

Why IPL 2026 Was Divided Into Two Phases ?

The BCCI split the tournament into two phases to accommodate state assembly elections in multiple regions like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam.

• Phase 1: March 28 – April 12, 2026
• Phase 2: April 13 – May 24, 2026

This approach allowed smooth scheduling without clashes with election security arrangements.

IPL 2026 Phase 2 Schedule (Key Highlights)

The second phase officially begins on April 13, 2026, and runs until May 24, 2026.

Major Highlights:

• Opening match of Phase 2: Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (April 13)
• Matches to be played across 12 venues in India
• Includes 8 double-header days (two matches in a day)
• Crucial fixtures that will decide playoff qualification

This phase is expected to be the most competitive stretch, as teams fight for top 4 positions.

Full IPL 2026 Schedule (Live View) -Phase 1 & Phase 2

IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule 2026

IPL 2026 Phase 2 Schedule 2026

May 2026 Fixtures

IPL 2026 Full Schedule: Download PDF

Opening Matches & Early Fixtures

• March 28:
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Opening Match)
• March 29:
  • Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders
• March 30:
  • Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings

These early matches set the tone before the high-stakes second phase begins.

IPL 2026 Full Schedule: Team Format & Qualification Rules

• Each team plays 14 league matches
• Top 4 teams qualify for playoffs
• Playoffs include:
  • Qualifier 1
  • Eliminator
  • Qualifier 2
  • Final

This format ensures a balanced competition across the league stage.

Key Teams to Watch in IPL 2026

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Defending champions
• Chennai Super Kings – Consistent playoff contenders
• Mumbai Indians – Five-time champions
• Sunrisers Hyderabad – Strong squad with balanced lineup

Venues & Travel Planning

The second phase matches are scheduled across multiple cities, ensuring:

• Better crowd distribution
• Reduced logistical pressure
• Nationwide fan engagement

Some teams may also play matches at alternate venues due to election constraints.

Related Article: IPL Ticket Booking 2026: Full Guide to Book Tickets Online & Offline (Easy Steps)