IPL 2026 Second Phase Schedule to Release This Week: What We Know So Far
The wait is almost over. The BCCI is set to release the IPL 2026 second phase schedule by the end of this week. BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla confirmed the full fixture list is being held back only until the Election Commission of India declares state election dates. That announcement is now expected any day, meaning the complete 84-match schedule will finally be public very soon. Check the IPL 2026 full schedule page for updates the moment they drop.
Why Was the Second Phase Schedule Delayed
The BCCI split the schedule release into two phases because several key IPL host states are heading into Legislative Assembly elections during the tournament window. States including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, and Kerala are all in the election cycle, and the BCCI cannot finalise venues for those legs until the Election Commission confirms its dates and model code of conduct timelines.
This approach is not new. In 2009 the entire tournament moved to South Africa. In 2014 and 2019 matches were shifted between venues mid-tournament. This time the BCCI is being proactive by holding the second phase back rather than scrambling to reschedule later.
First Phase at a Glance
The first phase covers 20 matches from March 28 to April 12 across ten venues. Here is a snapshot of the key opening fixtures.
First Phase Key Fixtures
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| RCB vs SRH | March 28 | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| MI vs KKR | March 29 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| CSK vs RR | March 29 | Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati |
| PBKS vs GT | March 30 | Mullanpur, New Chandigarh |
| LSG vs DC | March 31 | BRSABV Ekana Stadium, Lucknow |
| SRH vs RR | April 1 | Rajiv Gandhi Intl Stadium, Hyderabad |
The tournament has four double-header days in the first phase. Afternoon matches start at 3:30 PM IST and evening matches kick off at 7:30 PM IST.
What to Expect in the Second Phase
The second phase will cover the remaining 54 matches and run from mid-April through to the final on June 1. Venues currently on hold pending election clearance include:
- MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (later matches)
- Possibly one or two neutral venues depending on election schedules
The playoffs format remains the same. Top four teams from the league stage qualify, with Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final scheduled across late May and early June.
IPL 2026 Season Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 84 |
| Teams | 10 |
| Season Start | March 28, 2026 |
| Final Date | June 1, 2026 |
| First Phase Matches | 20 (March 28 to April 12) |
| Second Phase Release | By end of this week |
| Playoff Format | Top 4 qualify |
Why This Matters for Fans
If you are planning to book tickets, travel, or hotel stays for IPL matches in Chennai, Kolkata, or other election-affected cities, the second phase release is the one you have been waiting for. Ticket sales for those venues cannot open until the schedule is confirmed. The BCCI is aware of this and has been under pressure from franchises and broadcasters to finalise dates quickly.
All ten franchises have also been waiting on the second phase to plan their travel and training camp schedules. Teams like CSK and KKR who are based in election-affected cities have had limited visibility on their home game windows, which adds an extra planning challenge.
Keep tabs on every IPL 2026 team update as soon as the second phase drops so you are the first to know your team’s full fixture list.
Groups Format in IPL 2026
This season the BCCI introduced a new group stage format for the league phase. Teams are divided into two groups of five, playing more matches within their group before cross-group fixtures in the second half.
IPL 2026 Groups
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | Chennai Super Kings |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Rajasthan Royals |
| Punjab Kings | Lucknow Super Giants |
| Gujarat Titans | Delhi Capitals |
Each team plays 14 league matches in total. The second phase schedule will reveal exactly when the cross-group fixtures are scheduled, which is where a lot of the biggest match-ups will fall. Follow the live IPL 2026 points table once the season kicks off to track your team’s standing in real time.
When Will the Second Phase Be Announced
BCCI sources have indicated the Election Commission of India is expected to declare its schedule before March 22. Once that happens, the BCCI can finalise and publish the second phase fixtures within 24 to 48 hours. So realistically fans should have the full picture in hand before the tournament even begins on March 28.
Do not miss a single match when the full schedule is out. Get all your live streaming options sorted in advance through the IPL 2026 live streaming guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the IPL 2026 second phase schedule be released?
The BCCI has confirmed it will be released by end of this week, likely before March 22, 2026.
Why was the IPL 2026 second phase schedule delayed?
The BCCI is waiting for the Election Commission of India to declare state election dates before confirming venues for the second half of the tournament.
How many matches are in the first phase of IPL 2026?
The first phase covers 20 matches from March 28 to April 12 across ten venues.
How many total matches are there in IPL 2026?
IPL 2026 has 84 total matches including the league stage and playoffs.
When is the IPL 2026 final?
The IPL 2026 final is scheduled for June 1, 2026.
Which states are causing the schedule delay due to elections?
Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, and Kerala are among the states with upcoming Legislative Assembly elections that affect IPL venue availability.
