BCCI Share Update on IPL Opening Ceremony (Screengrab) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shown sensitivity, remembrance and respect for the 11 victims of the stampede tragedy in Bengaluru on June 4 last year during the celebrations of RCB’s first title in India and has decided to skip the traditional opening ceremony for IPL 2026. As a result, there will be no celebrations before the opening match of IPL 26 against champions Sunris Royal Challengers Bengalrs Challengers. Hyderabad on Saturday night at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.However, the BCCI and its IPL Governing Council are planning a grand closing ceremony for the 19th season of the IPL on the day of the final, May 31, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told TOI.
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RCB’s big changes ahead of IPL: New rules, tribute and squad update “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 this tragedy on June 4, 2025. However, BCCI is planning a ceremonial and entertainment session on June 4, 2025. IPL, in finals day (May 31),” Saikia told TOI. Last year, the launch event was held at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens which featured performances by superstar Shah Rukh Khan, singers Shreya Ghoshal and Karan Aujla along with a dance performance by actress Disha Patani.In 2019, after the Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of around 40 CRPF personnel, the then Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) BCCI also canceled the IPL 12 opening ceremony and donated the allocated funds to the families of the victims. Saikia had earlier said that the BCCI would announce the schedule of the remaining IPL matches “very soon”.The IPL 2026 season will begin on March 28 when Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.Also See: IPL 2026 Schedule
