IPL 2026 Schedule Highlights: CSK vs MI Doubleheader and More

The second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to kick off on April 13, promising thrilling encounters between some of the tournament's biggest names. Among the standout fixtures, the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will lock horns twice during this phase.

The phase begins with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) hosting Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Hyderabad. CSK and MI's first clash of the phase will take place on April 23 in Mumbai, followed by a return leg on May 2 in Chennai. This doubleheader underscores the intense rivalry between the two IPL powerhouses.

In other notable scheduling quirks, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will not travel to Chennai for a match against CSK. Instead, the two teams will play their marquee fixture just once this year, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 5.

The defending champions, presumably the IPL 2025 winners, have an intriguing lineup with games against MI and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Raipur on May 10 and May 13, respectively.

Dharamsala's picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium will host several high-profile matches, featuring Indian stalwarts. Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 11, MI on May 14, and RCB in an afternoon fixture on May 17.

The league stage of this phase concludes on May 24 with the final of the eight doubleheaders: MI versus RR in Mumbai and KKR versus DC in Kolkata.

Fixture distribution highlights balance in afternoon games, with SRH, DC, PBKS, and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) each playing three afternoon matches, while CSK, MI, RCB, Gujarat Titans (GT), KKR, and RR each play two.

This schedule sets the stage for an action-packed second phase, blending rivalries, new venues, and strategic matchups.