BCCI Announces Complete IPL 2026 Phase 2 Schedule Following Election Dates
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed the schedule for the second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The remainder of the tournament, consisting of 50 league-stage matches, will run from April 13 to May 24 across 12 venues in India.
Phase 2 Resumption and Venues
The second leg of the tournament commences with the Sunrisers Hyderabad hosting the Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Organizers have distributed the remaining matches across 12 stadiums to maximize fan attendance while navigating regional election logistics.
The confirmed host cities for the final 50 league matches include:
- Bengaluru
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Delhi
- Ahmedabad
- Hyderabad
- Lucknow
- Jaipur
- Dharamsala
- Raipur
- New Chandigarh
Election Impact on IPL Scheduling
The phased schedule release follows a strategic blueprint historically utilized by the BCCI during election years. Originally, the governing body announced only the first 20 fixtures up to April 12. This delay in finalizing the complete roster provided the necessary flexibility to accommodate polling dates for state assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
Despite minor logistical concerns regarding potential energy and fuel shortages raised earlier this year, the Indian Premier League will proceed without any reduction in matches. The BCCI logistics team has coordinated with local authorities to ensure uninterrupted travel schedules and stadium operations.
IPL 2026 Key Schedule Facts
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Phase 2 Start Date | April 13, 2026 |
| League Stage End Date | May 24, 2026 |
| Matches Remaining | 50 |
| First Phase 2 Match | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals |
| Total Venues | 12 |
Playoff Details Pending
While the league stage is fully mapped out, the BCCI has yet to name the venues for Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final. The board traditionally awards the final and Qualifier 1 to the defending champions’ home stadium, though official confirmation will arrive closer to the playoffs. Fans tracking historical match data and team standings can view live statistics via ESPNcricinfo.