Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) observed a moment of silence before 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 crowd crush during the franchise’s title celebrations.
The tribute brought a deeply emotional tone to the season opener, with RCB honouring the victims in front of the home crowd before the match began.
Players from both teams wore black armbands, while the RCB squad also donned practice jerseys with the number 11 during warm-ups to remember the fans. As a lasting mark of respect, 11 seats at the stadium will remain empty throughout the season.
The tragedy took place on June 4, 2025, a day after RCB ended their 18-year wait for a maiden IPL title by beating Punjab Kings in the final. When the team returned to Bengaluru, a large felicitation event was organised at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium after plans for an open-top bus parade were dropped.
With lakhs of fans gathering around the stadium and entry gates unable to handle the crowd, chaos erupted outside the venue. A deadly crush followed, killing 11 people and injuring many others. The incident put a dark cloud over what should have been the happiest moment in RCB’s history.
Cricket at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was suspended for months, with some matches and events moved elsewhere due to safety concerns. The tragedy also led to serious questions over crowd control and event planning.
Ahead of IPL 2026, authorities and the Karnataka State Cricket Association have introduced several safety measures, including mock drills, better surveillance and stricter access control.
Rajesh Menon, CEO of RCB, detailed the extensive safety measures now in place: "I would like to thank the Karnataka state government-the CM, DCM, HM, Commissioner, and Joint Commissioner. We have an SOP from the Karnataka High Court which we have to follow with 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, choosing instead for a quieter start to the season as a mark of respect for the victims.
Source: India Today