The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday unveiled the complete IPL 2026 Phase 2 schedule while confirming there will be no opening ceremony for the tournament — a first since 2019.
The decision was made as a solemn mark of respect for the 11 victims of last year's Bengaluru stampede that occurred during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title celebrations. As a result, there will be no pre-match entertainment, performances or celebrations before the season opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28.
The tournament opens with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at 7:30 PM IST. The BCCI has, however, confirmed that a closing ceremony will be held on May 31 at the conclusion of the final.
Full Phase 2 Schedule
The second phase runs from April 13 to May 24, 2026, comprising 50 matches across 12 venues — Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dharamshala, Raipur and New Chandigarh.
There will be eight double-headers in Phase 2, with afternoon matches starting at 3:30 PM IST and evening games at 7:30 PM IST. Punjab Kings will play three home matches in Dharamshala during this phase.
Team Groups
Group A: Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings
Group B: Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants