The wait for the complete roadmap of the TATA IPL 2026 is finally over. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially unveiled the schedule for the second phase of the tournament, confirming that the action will resume on April 13, 2026.
With the initial phase concluding on April 12, the second leg will feature the remaining 50 league matches, taking the total count to 70 before the playoffs.
The Resumption: SRH vs RR Sets the Tone
The second phase kicks off with a high-octane clash in Hyderabad on Monday, April 13, where Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will host the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Diamond Exchange 99 This fixture is expected to be a crucial mid-season battle as teams begin their final push for the top four spots.
Key Highlights of Phase 2
Duration: April 13 to May 24, 2026.
Venues: Matches will be spread across 12 cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dharamsala, Raipur, and New Chandigarh.
Double-Headers: The second phase will feature eight double-headers. Afternoon games will begin at 03:30 PM IST, and evening matches at 07:30 PM IST.
Secondary Home Grounds: * Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play three matches at the scenic Dharamshala stadium.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host two of their home games in Raipur.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) will move back to their primary fortress in Jaipur for four home games after playing earlier fixtures in Guwahati.
Marquee Fixtures to Watch Out For
The second phase is packed with some of the biggest rivalries in the league. Mark your calendars for these "El Clasico" moments:
Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
April 13 | SRH vs RR | Hyderabad | 7:30 PM |
April 14 | CSK vs KKR | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
April 23 | MI vs CSK | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
May 2 | CSK vs MI | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
May 10 | RCB vs MI | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
May 22 | SRH vs RCB | Hyderabad | 7:30 PM |
The Race to the Final
The league stage is set to conclude on May 24 with a double-header:
Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals (Mumbai, 3:30 PM)
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals (Kolkata, 7:30 PM)
Following these matches, the top four teams will advance to the playoffs. While the BCCI has released the full league schedule, the dates and venues for the Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Grand Final will be announced at a later stage.
A Balanced Summer of Cricket
After the initial partial schedule—released earlier due to various logistical reasons and assembly elections in certain states—the full schedule ensures that every fan across the country gets a taste of IPL fever. With the inclusion of venues like New Chandigarh and Dharamsala, the league continues to expand its reach.
Who are you rooting for in the second half of IPL 2026? Let us know in the comments!
