IPL Phase 2 Schedule Out, 50 Matches Across 12 Venues
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Mumbai
- Mar 26, 2026
- 631
The second-phase schedule of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been officially released, with the governing body making the announcement via its social media platforms on Wednesday evening.
The tournament’s second leg will run from April 13 to May 24, featuring 50 matches across 12 venues, including eight double-header days. The opening phase, scheduled from March 28 to April 12, will comprise 20 fixtures. While the detailed playoff calendar is yet to be revealed, the final is set to be held in Bengaluru on May 31.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore have designated Raipur as their auxiliary home venue, where they are slated to play two matches. Contrary to earlier speculation of an expanded season, the tournament will feature a total of 74 matches—70 in the league stage and four in the playoffs—without any increase in fixtures.
The second phase will get underway on April 23, with Sunrisers Hyderabad hosting Rajasthan Royals. On the same day, one of the league’s most storied rivalries will reignite as Mumbai Indians take on Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai, with the return fixture scheduled in Chennai on May 2.
The league stage will conclude with a double-header, as Mumbai face Rajasthan in the afternoon clash, followed by an evening encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals.
In terms of scheduling distribution, Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans are the only teams assigned just one afternoon fixture each, with the majority of their matches slated for evening slots. Hyderabad and Delhi will feature most frequently in afternoon games, with four each, while Punjab and Lucknow will play three apiece. Rajasthan, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru are scheduled for two afternoon fixtures each. In total, 12 days have been earmarked for double-headers.
The competition will see 10 teams play a balanced schedule of 14 league matches each—seven at home and seven away. Additionally, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings will operate with dual home venues. Rajasthan will host three matches in Guwahati and four in Jaipur, while Raipur and Mullanpur will serve as secondary bases for Bengaluru and Punjab respectively.
A total of 13 venues—Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dharamsala, Raipur, Mullanpur, and Guwahati—will stage the league fixtures. The playoff matches are expected to be split between Bengaluru and Mullanpur, though official dates remain pending.
Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has evolved into one of the most prestigious T20 leagues globally. Rajasthan Royals claimed the inaugural title by defeating Chennai Super Kings. Over the course of 18 seasons, seven franchises have lifted the trophy, with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings leading the honours list with five titles each. The Royal Challengers Bangalore enter the season as reigning champions, having secured their maiden crown in 2025 by overcoming Punjab Kings in the final.