Ahead of the IPL 2026 season opener, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has announced a series of tributes to honour the 11 fans who lost their lives in the stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium during last year’s victory celebrations.
The tragic incident had cast a shadow over RCB’s historic Indian Premier League triumph and led to competitive cricket temporarily moving away from the Bengaluru venue. After months of safety reviews and preparations, IPL matches are now set to return to RCB’s home ground, with the team scheduled to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28.
Permanent Tribute: 11 Reserved Seats
RCB management confirmed that 11 seats inside the stadium will be permanently reserved and kept vacant during every match as a silent tribute to the victims of the June 4 stampede.
The decision was announced by RCB CEO Rajesh Menon and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, who said the gesture is meant to ensure that the memories of the fans remain part of the franchise’s legacy.
“These seats will remain unoccupied during every match as a mark of respect for the supporters who lost their lives,” the management said.
Players to Wear Jersey Number 11 in Practice
As another tribute, all RCB players will wear jersey number 11 during practice sessions throughout the IPL 2026 season. The symbolic gesture is intended to acknowledge the supporters whose passion for the team ended in tragedy.
Memorial Plaque at Stadium Entrance
The franchise also announced that a memorial plaque will be installed near the inner entrance of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The plaque will serve as a place where fans and visitors can pause and pay their respects.
RCB CEO Rajesh Menon said the tribute reflects the team’s deep connection with its supporters.
“This is a tribute to our fans, who will always remain a part of our journey,” Menon said while addressing reporters.
He also thanked the government and authorities for facilitating the return of matches to the stadium.
“It has been a long journey since June 4, and everything has been executed on a war footing. We have worked to follow the SOPs provided by the court and ensure all protocols are in place,” he added.
New Crowd Management Measures
Along with the tributes, RCB confirmed that several crowd management measures will be introduced inside and around the stadium to prevent incidents similar to last year’s tragedy.
Authorities and the franchise have worked together to implement enhanced safety protocols, better entry management, and improved coordination with security agencies ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
Emotional Return to Home Ground
The return of IPL matches to M Chinnaswamy Stadium marks an emotional moment for both the franchise and its supporters. While the team looks forward to the new season, the tributes aim to ensure that the memory of the 11 fans remains permanently embedded in RCB’s journey.
With the IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, Bengaluru is set to witness cricket return to its iconic venue under a renewed focus on safety and remembrance.
