On the day of the match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will also conduct a pre-match tribute. (Image credit: Agencies) BENGALURU: June 4, 2025 — a date that left an indelible mark on the city’s sporting landscape. The tragic loss of 11 lives outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title celebrations continues to resonate deeply.As the defending champions begin their title defense at home, both the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the Bengaluru-based franchise have put in place measures to honor the memory of the young victims, including the 14-year-old.Ahead of the season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, the KSCA will unveil a commemorative plaque near the inner entrance of the stadium, near the mural. The tribute aims to create a permanent space for remembrance in a place that has witnessed both joy and tragedy.In a further gesture, 11 seats in the stadium will be permanently reserved in memory of those who lost their lives. These seats will not be sold for any matches, including international matches. Seats are expected to be placed together in the front stand, allowing the area to be cordoned off as a sign of respect.On the day of the match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will also conduct a pre-match tribute. The names of the victims will be displayed inside the stadium, followed by a minute’s silence. The visiting team is also expected to join in the commemoration.
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Axar Patel questions Impact Player rule: ‘All-rounders lose value’ The plaque will be a memorial, similar to the Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield Stadium, which commemorates the 97 Liverpool fans who died following a stampede during the FA Cup semi-final on 15 April 1989 at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield.KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad confirmed the plans and told TOI, “It is painful to even think about the tragic incident. However, we discussed the memorial for a while with the management committee and other key stakeholders and together we felt it was important to honor the memory of the 11 people. We do not want to rekindle the pain, instead remember them. That is why we have decided to cut short the lives of cricket fans.” At the designated venues, Prasad refused to divulge the information and said, “It is a joint decision between the KSCA and the franchise as they are an integral part of the Chinnaswamy Stadium.”
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Would you attend a match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium now knowing that it honors the victims?
RCB CEO Rajesh Menon remained available for comment.As competitive cricket returns to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, tributes ensure the memories of those who lost their lives remain etched into the fabric of the venue where they gathered to celebrate.
