New Delhi, March 26: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the schedule for the second phase of league matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. This season, the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, both of whom have won the IPL title five times, will face each other twice, while many other teams will meet only once.
The two teams are set to clash again on May 2, following their first encounter on April 23. But why are these teams meeting twice?
The teams have been divided into two groups based on the number of titles they have won. Group A includes the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings, along with Kolkata Knight Riders, who have won the trophy three times. Also in this group are Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, each with one title. Punjab Kings, yet to win a title, is also part of this group.
On the other hand, Group B features the five-time champions Mumbai Indians, along with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, who have each claimed one trophy. Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, both still in search of their first title, are also included in this group.
In previous years, teams from the same group played each other twice and faced teams from the other group once. However, this year, the IPL has altered the structure. Now, teams from the same group will play once, while they will face teams from the other group twice.
The league phase of IPL 2026 will take place from March 28 to May 24. During this phase, eight double-headers (two matches in one day) will be held. Afternoon matches will start at 3:30 PM IST, while evening matches will commence at 7:30 PM IST.
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