The wait is officially over for cricket fans across India! On March 26, 2026, the BCCI finally unveiled the full schedule for the second phase of TATA IPL 2026.
- 1. Key Dates to Mark in Your Calendar
- 2. The New Venue Strategy of IPL 2026
- 3. Must-Watch Matches in Phase 2
- 4. Double-Headers & Playoff Buzz
- 5. How to Book Tickets for Phase 2
- IPL 2026 Upcoming League Match List (Select Fixtures)
- Major Rivalry Dates
- IPL 2026 Dharamshala matches schedule
- Quick Tips for Fans
- Conclusion: The Race to the Playoffs Begins!
- Also Read:
While the first 20 matches were already announced, the new schedule covers the remaining 50 league matches and the road to the playoffs. From new venues like New Chandigarh to the return of double-headers, here is everything you need to know to plan your summer.
The second phase will officially kick off on April 13, 2026, in Hyderabad. The BCCI waited for the Election Commission’s announcement regarding the 2026 Assembly Elections before finalizing these dates of IPL 2026 to ensure full security for every game.
1. Key Dates to Mark in Your Calendar
- Phase 2 Start Date: April 13, 2026 (Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals)
- League Stage End Date: May 24, 2026 (Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals)
- Match Timings: Afternoon games start at 3:30 PM IST; Evening games start at 7:30 PM IST.
2. The New Venue Strategy of IPL 2026
One of the most exciting updates this year is the use of 12 different venues across India. The BCCI is taking the game to every corner of the country:
- Punjab Kings: Will play their home matches across New Chandigarh and the scenic Dharamshala.
- Rajasthan Royals: After starting their campaign in Guwahati, they move back to their fortress in Jaipur for four home games.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): The defending champions will play three home games in Bengaluru and two matches in Raipur.
3. Must-Watch Matches in Phase 2
The schedule is packed with high-octane “Super Sundays” and classic rivalries. Here are the top picks you shouldn’t miss:
| Match | Date | Venue | Why it’s Big |
| SRH vs RR | April 13 | Hyderabad | The Phase 2 Opener |
| MI vs CSK | April 23 | Mumbai | The “El Clásico” of IPL |
| RCB vs GT | April 24 | Bengaluru | A Repeat of Last Year’s Final |
| KKR vs MI | May 20 | Kolkata | Crucial Playoff decider |
4. Double-Headers & Playoff Buzz
Phase 2 will feature eight double-headers, mostly on Saturdays and Sundays. This is where the points table usually sees a massive shakeup.
The Playoff Mystery: While the league schedule is out, the BCCI has decided to keep the Playoff venues and dates a secret for a few more weeks. Rumors suggest Ahmedabad and Chennai are the frontrunners for the Qualifier 1 and the Grand Final.
5. How to Book Tickets for Phase 2
Tickets for the second leg are expected to go live in batches starting early April.
- Official Partners: BookMyShow and PayTM Insider remain the primary partners.
- Team Specific: For RCB and CSK games, fans are encouraged to use the official team apps for “Early Access” to tickets.
The BCCI recently released the full schedule for the TATA IPL 2026, confirming that the tournament will run from March 28 to May 31, 2026. This season features 74 matches (70 league stage + 4 playoffs).
IPL 2026 Upcoming League Match List (Select Fixtures)
The wait is over 😍
IPL 2026 starts TODAY with RCB vs SRH 🔥🔥#Peddi
pic.twitter.com/NfoEz7Zf46
— Ram Charan Fans Club (@Ramcharanclubx) March 28, 2026
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
| Mar 28 (Sat) | RCB vs SRH | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| Mar 29 (Sun) | MI vs KKR | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| Mar 30 (Mon) | RR vs CSK | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| Mar 31 (Tue) | PBKS vs GT | New Chandigarh | 7:30 PM |
| Apr 1 (Wed) | LSG vs DC | Lucknow | 7:30 PM |
| Apr 2 (Thu) | KKR vs SRH | Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| Apr 3 (Fri) | CSK vs PBKS | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| Apr 4 (Sat) | DC vs MI | Delhi | 3:30 PM |
| Apr 4 (Sat) | GT vs RR | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
| Apr 5 (Sun) | SRH vs LSG | Hyderabad | 3:30 PM |
| Apr 5 (Sun) | RCB vs CSK | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
Major Rivalry Dates
- MI vs CSK: April 23 (Mumbai) and May 2 (Chennai).
- RCB vs KKR: May 13 (Raipur).
- GT vs CSK: April 26 (Ahmedabad) and May 21 (Chennai).
IPL 2026 Dharamshala matches schedule
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is set to host three home matches for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the latter half of the IPL 2026 league stage.
The matches are scheduled for mid-May, offering a scenic backdrop for some high-stakes clashes as the race for the playoffs intensifies.
| Date | Match | Time (IST) | Venue |
| May 11 (Mon) | Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals | 7:30 PM | HPCA Stadium |
| May 14 (Thu) | Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians | 7:30 PM | HPCA Stadium |
| May 17 (Sun) | Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 3:30 PM | HPCA Stadium |
Quick Tips for Fans
- The Venue: Known as one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world, the HPCA Stadium has a capacity of approximately 21,200.
- Ticketing: Tickets for Dharamshala matches are typically available on platforms like District (Zomato) or the official Punjab Kings website. Given the popularity of teams like MI and RCB, these are expected to sell out quickly once the sale goes live.
- Travel: If you’re planning to attend, it’s wise to book accommodation early as the city sees a massive surge in “sports tourism” during these weeks.
Conclusion: The Race to the Playoffs Begins!
With 50 matches squeezed into 42 days, the second phase of TATA IPL 2026 is going to be a sprint to the finish line. Whether you are rooting for the “Yellow Army” (CSK) or hoping for an “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (RCB) repeat, the stage is set for a blockbuster summer.
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