Royal Challengers Bengaluru paid tribute to the fans who tragically lost their lives in the 2025 stadium stampede during their IPL 2026 opener, marking a poignant moment for the team and its supporters.
IMAGE: RCB players wore black armbands during their IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad as a mark of respect. Photograph: ANI Photo
Key Points
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru honoured 11 fans who died in a stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium during 2025 celebrations.
- Eleven seats at the stadium will remain empty permanently as a lasting tribute to the fans.
- The M Chinnaswamy Stadium has undergone safety and infrastructure upgrades following the tragic incident.
A moment of silence was observed to honor the 11 Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans who tragically lost their lives on June 4 last year. Players from both teams wore black armbands, paying their respects, while thoughts were with the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy.
During their IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB players remembered the fans who had passed away during celebrations outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The team shared, "We paid tribute to the eleven members of the RCB family who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate incident on June 4."
The stampede during last year's title celebrations claimed 11 lives and left several injured, forcing cricket at the stadium to be suspended. Major events, including the ICC Women's ODI World Cup and the KSCA Maharaja Trophy league, were relocated, and even the T20 World Cup matches that year had to be moved from Bengaluru.
Stadium Safety Improvements
After a government-appointed expert committee reviewed the stadium, the Karnataka cabinet cleared it to host IPL matches in February 2026. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), led by Vice President Sujit Somsundar, carried out all recommended safety and infrastructure upgrades, including wider gates, improved exit routes, and emergency medical facilities.
The stadium was then inspected by an expert panel headed by Maheshwar Rao and has now been approved to host matches at full capacity--33,000 spectators.
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