The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided against the opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28 ahead of the tournament between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
According to a Times of India report, the BCCI’s decision to cancel the opening ceremony on March 28 was seen as a mark of respect for the 11 lives lost during the Chinnaswamy stampede on June 4 last year.
“Due to last year’s tragic incident on June 4 last year, there will be no formal event on the opening day of IPL-2026 (in Bengaluru). BCCI is not organizing any cultural or entertainment show at the start of IPL-19 as a mark of respect to the departed souls due to the June 4, 2025 tragedy,” BCCI Secretary Devajit told Devajit Daily.
What happened last June 4th?
After RCB’s first IPL triumph after defeating Punjab Kings in the final in Ahmedabad in 2025, the entire RCB team landed at the Bengaluru airport on the morning of June 4 and headed straight to Vidhana Soudha. The players were felicitated by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot.
By the time the RCB players reached the stadium, thousands of supporters thronged the Chinnaswamy Stadium, creating a stampede-like situation. As a result, 11 people lost their lives, including a minor.
Still, the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council are planning the closing ceremony at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31 in Ahmedabad. “The BCCI and the IPL Governing Council are planning a grand entertainment event at the conclusion of the IPL, on the day of the final (May 31),” he added.
Previously, the IPL did not have opening ceremonies in the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions. Last year, stars such as Bollywood superstars Shahrukh Khan and Disha Patani and singers Shreya Ghoshal and Karan Aujla performed at the IPL 2025 opening ceremony at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
RCB will leave 11 Chinnaswamy spots vacant
Earlier, RCB’s current CEO Rajesh Menon informed that all the players will wear the number 11 during training to commemorate the 11 lives lost. “In memory of the 11 fans we lost on June 4, the players will wear the number 11 jersey for training, match day, pre-match training.
“So all the players will wear the number 11 jersey on their back, not for the match but for training,” Menon told the media. “Also, they will wear a black armband on the day. We are also going to have 11 permanent seats at the Chinnaswamy Stadium empty forever. This is for the 11 fans who will be with us forever,” he added.
