Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will make an emotional move ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The defending champions will honor the 11 fans who lost their lives in the tragic stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during their maiden IPL title celebration on June 4, 2025.
Notably, RCB will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28. The Rajat Patidar-led side will enter the tournament as defending champions for the first time after lifting the trophy by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final, however the celebrations were overshadowed by a tragic incident.
RCB, KSCA to honor 11 victims at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru
After the stampede, Karnataka State Cricket Association has taken strict steps. KSCA will unveil a dedicated memorial plaque near the indoor stadium entrance to honor the victims inside the iconic venue.
In another touching gesture, KSCA and Royal Challengers Bangalore will reserve 11 seats inside the stadium. These seats will never be sold during any domestic or international match, with the area being kept empty as a mark of respect.
Before the start of the season, RCB will lead the pre-match tribute with Sunrisers Hyderabad. The names of the victims will be displayed on stadium screens followed by a minute of silence. The tribute mirrors Anfield Stadium’s famous Hillsborough Memorial, which honors the 97 Liverpool fans who died in 1989.
This is a joint decision between KSCA and RCB – KSCA President Venkatesh
KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad talked about the emotional decision to build the memorial. Prasad said that the managing committee and key stakeholders want to honor the young cricket fans with respect.
“It is painful to even think about the tragic incident. But we have been discussing the memorial with the managing committee and other key stakeholders for some time and collectively felt that it is important to honor the memory of the 11 people,” Prasad was quoted as saying by Times of India.
“We don’t want to rekindle any pain; instead, remember them. That’s why we’ve decided to hold a memorial to those cricket fans whose lives were tragically cut short.”
“This is a joint decision between KSCA and the franchises as they are an integral part of the Chinnaswamy Stadium,” he said.
Blackstone eyes big investment as multiple bidders target RCB ownership stake
Royal Challengers Bangalore is currently going through major corporate changes. American alternative investment firm Blackstone Inc. is reportedly exploring a significant investment in the lucrative Indian Premier League.
Blackstone may invest between $200 million and $300 million to acquire a substantial stake in the franchise. According to Bloomberg, the company can make this investment through its Blackstone Private Equity Strategies Fund.
Using these funds will allow Blackstone to hold a stake in Royal Challengers Bangalore or Rajasthan Royals for a longer period than would normally be allowed.
Several leading organizations have submitted final bids for Royal Challengers Bangalore. These include Azim Premji Family Office, EQT AB and a consortium led by Manipal Hospitals owner Ranjan Pai.
Additionally, a consortium linked to Aditya Birla Group and David Blitzer is also considering acquiring a stake in the franchise.
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