The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) is scheduled to begin on March 28. The opening match of the edition will be between defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad (RCB vs SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Just a few days before the inauguration of IPL 2026, there is news that construction work is still going on at the venue.
Following the tragic incident that took place outside the stadium during RCB’s victory parade last year, which followed the trophy celebrations, the state government imposed a ban on arranging matches at the ground. Later, the Karnataka Cricket Association managed to get approval from the government so that the prestigious stadium could accommodate high-profile games, including RCB home matches.
RCB and Karnataka Cricket Association have to ensure safety protocols at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
To ensure safety measures, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) decided to make major changes in the exits as well as the fan areas. According to media reports, the deadline to complete the construction work was March 15. In fact, carpenters, contractors and vendors were hard at work giving the final touches.
“On Wednesday evening, Chinnaswamy looked like a construction site. Sheets of plywood welcomed you at the main entrance, covering areas still under preparation and making you think of March 28, when the red carpet will be rolled out,” ESPNcricinfo reported.
“We haven’t slept for four days,” one employee told the media website.
Team management takes several steps to show respect for Eleven fans
To show respect to the eleven fans who lost their lives due to the tragic incident of stampede during the team’s trophy winning celebrations, the RCB team management decided to take several steps. Earlier it was reported that on the day of the match, Bengaluru players will do their training wearing jersey number 11. The franchise is likely to reserve eleven seats in the gallery in memory of deceased fans.
The security standards will be in check whenever RCB hosts its home match in the IPL 2026 season. While the team will try to defend its title, the management will have to work continuously to keep the security and the stadium in top condition.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will not organize the opening ceremony in response to this incident.
IPL 2026 will take place without opening ceremony
“Due to the tragic incident that occurred on June 4 last year, there will be no formal ceremony (in Bengaluru) on the opening day of IPL-2026. BCCI is not organizing any cultural or entertainment program at the start of IPL-19 on June 4, 2025, as a mark of respect to the departed souls due to that tragedy,” BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia said.
“However, the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council are planning a grand entertainment function at the conclusion of the IPL on the final day (May 31),” he said.
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