RCB vs SRH: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players will wear black armbands during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to honor fans who died in a stampede outside the venue last year.
In a statement, RCB said the team will pay tribute to 11 supporters who lost their lives during celebrations following the franchise’s historic IPL title win on June 4, 2025. “"As a mark of respect, players will wear practice jerseys bearing the number 11 during the warm-up, followed by black armbands during the match,” the franchise said.
The team also announced that 11 seats at the stadium will remain permanently unoccupied as a tribute to the victims.
A total of 11 people died and several others were injured in the stampede that occurred outside the stadium during the victory celebrations. Following the incident, cricket matches at the venue were suspended from June 2025 due to safety concerns.
Several major tournaments, including the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup and the state-run KSCA Maharaja Trophy, were relocated. The stadium also did not host any matches during this year’s T20 World Cup.
In February, the Karnataka state cabinet approved the resumption of IPL matches at the venue following recommendations from a government-appointed expert committee.
In March, the Karnataka State Cricket Association secured permission from Home Minister G. Parameshwara to host IPL 2026 matches, including the playoffs and final, in Bengaluru.
KSCA Vice President Sujit Somsundar said the association completed Phase 1 safety and infrastructure upgrades as recommended by police, public works, fire and medical departments. These measures included widening entry gates, improving exit routes and enhancing emergency medical facilities.
An expert panel led by Maheshwar Rao inspected the venue and approved the upgrades.
The stadium has now been cleared to host matches at full capacity, with a seating limit of 33,000 spectators.
(With inputs from agencies)
