The opener of IPL 2026 is going to be very special for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This much-awaited encounter is not just a match for them, it will be a medium for them to show their respect to the fans who lost their lives during the team’s trophy celebrations at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium last year.
News agency ANI reported that all RCB players will wear black armbands during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This will symbolize paying tribute to the eleven lives that left their mortal bodies. A tragic stampede incident on June 4, 2025 resulted in the loss of 11 RCB fans lives. This incident was a dark day not only for RCB but also for the Indian Premier League.
Multiple initiatives for RCB vs SRH IPL 2026 match in memory of eleven fans
Ahead of the RCB vs SRH match on Saturday, it was reported that the Bengaluru-based management has taken several important steps to pay respect to the eleven fans. Apart from wearing black armbands, there will also be eleven reserved seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, dedicated entirely to those eleven deceased fans. Before the match, when the players are on the field for regular warm-ups, Bengaluru cricketers can be seen with jersey number 11 on their backs.
Out of respect for the fans, there will also be no traditional opening ceremony, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed.
IPL without any opening ceremony
Times of India quoted BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia as saying, “Due to the tragic incident that took place on June 4 last year, there will be no formal ceremony on the opening day of IPL-2026 (in Bengaluru). The BCCI is not organizing any cultural or entertainment program at the opening day of IPL-19 on June 4, 2025, as a mark of respect to the departed souls due to that tragedy.”
This year the board is planning to hold the closing ceremony instead of the opening ceremony, which may be held in Bengaluru.
“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),” Saikia said.
Memorial plaque at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
Ahead of the opening match of the IPL 2026 season, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) installed a memorial plaque at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in honor of the 11 fans killed in the Victory Parade stampede on June 4, 2025.
Following the tragic incident, the state government imposed a temporary ban on arranging any high-caliber matches at the ground. Later, KSCA’s effort reopened the stadium for high-profile games, including RCB home matches. With a limited number of attendees in the gallery, there will be tight security and presence at the ground to ensure the safety of fans. Ahead of the season, some reinforcement work was also carried out to make the events safer than ever before.
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