Second homes have become a major talking point in IPL 2026, with franchises increasingly using them as more than just alternative venues. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), whose main base is the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, have shifted two major home matches against Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to Raipur, averting two of the biggest clashes of the season from Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI) continue to play their home matches at the Wankhede Stadium.
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The pattern extends beyond RCB. Punjab Kings, based in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, will host Mumbai Indians, RCB and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, while Rajasthan Royals, whose main home is the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, will once again play high-profile matches against Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and RCB in Guwahat.
In previous seasons, Kings from Punjab and Kings from Rajasthan used Dharamsala and Guwahati as their second homes. However, the concept is relatively new for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with the franchise last playing in Raipur in 2016.
The message is clear: a second home is no longer just a backup option. For the franchises that have them, these venues become strategic assets, helping to expand fan reach, break into new markets and increasingly host the biggest-ticket games.
BCCI announces full IPL schedule
BCCI on Thursday, March 26 announced the complete schedule of league stages for IPL 2026 after the initial reveal of the draw for the first 20 matches only. The full schedule has been delayed as the dates for assembly elections in four states have been clarified.
The season will begin on March 28 with defending champions RCB hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru, while the second phase will begin on April 13 when SRH face Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad. The league phase will conclude on May 24 with Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Delhi Capitals in Kolkata.
A total of 70 league matches will be played at 13 venues, including Guwahati, Raipur and Dharamsala as other centres. Rajasthan Royals will play three home matches in Guwahati, Punjab Kings three in Dharamsala and RCB will split their home matches for the first time by taking their marquee matches against MI and KKR to Raipur. Playoff locations and dates will be announced at a later date.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
26 March 2026 19:48 IST
