Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) observed a moment of silence ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, paying tribute to the 11 fans who lost their lives in last year’s tragic stampede during the franchise’s title celebrations.
The tribute brought a deeply emotional tone to the season opener when RCB honored the victims in front of the home crowd before the start of the match.
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Players from both teams wore black armbands while the RCB team also donned practice jerseys bearing the number 11 during the warm-ups to remember the fans. As a lasting mark of respect, 11 seats in the stadium will remain empty throughout the season.
HOW THE STAMPEDE INCIDENT HAPPENED
Tragedy struck on June 4, 2025, a day after RCB ended their 18-year wait for a maiden IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings in the final. When the team returned to Bengaluru, a grand celebratory event was held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium after plans for an open-top bus parade were scrapped.
With thousands of fans gathered around the stadium and the entrance gates unable to handle the crowd, chaos broke out outside the venue. A deadly stampede ensued, killing 11 people and injuring many more. The incident cast a dark cloud over what was supposed to be the happiest moment in RCB history.
Cricket at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was suspended for months and some matches and events were shifted elsewhere due to security concerns. The tragedy also led to serious questions about crowd control and event planning.
Ahead of IPL 2026, the authorities and the Karnataka State Cricket Association have put in place several security measures, including mock drills, better surveillance and stricter access control.
Rajesh Menon, CEO, RCB, detailed the extensive security measures now in place: “I would like to thank the Karnataka State Government – CM, DCM, HM, Commissioner and Joint Commissioner. We have SOPs from the Karnataka High Court which we have to follow along with the KSCA, RCB and DNA under the guidance of the Karnataka State Police.”
The BCCI has also decided not to hold a grand opening ceremony in Bengaluru this year, opting instead for a quieter start to the season as a mark of respect for the victims.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
28 March 2026 20:21 IST
