Indian Premier League champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have announced that they will leave 11 seats vacant at their M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in honor of the fans who tragically lost their lives during last year’s title celebrations. The incident saw 11 supporters aged between 14 and 29 perish in a stampede outside the stadium following RCB’s maiden IPL victory.
The highly anticipated T20 tournament kicks off its 2026 season this Saturday as RCB prepares to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at their home ground. Ahead of the game, the Bengaluru team, led by star batsman Virat Kohli, will pay tribute by donning jerseys bearing the number 11 and wearing black armbands throughout the match.
In addition to the symbolic empty seats, CEO Rajesh Menon expressed, “This is a tribute to our fans, who will always hold a special place in our hearts.” Following the tragic incident, concerns were raised about the safety of the venue due to structural and crowd management issues, leading to the relocation of key fixtures.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently confirmed that the stadium has been deemed fit to host matches, including RCB’s home games. Menon reassured fans that crowd management protocols have been significantly enhanced, with the implementation of AI-powered cameras for improved monitoring and control.
The fatal stampede occurred after RCB’s championship win over Punjab Kings, as the team embarked on a celebratory trophy parade through the city streets, attracting a massive crowd of supporters. The event turned tragic with over 50 individuals sustaining injuries.
In the aftermath, authorities questioned several officials, including a senior RCB executive, and representatives from event organizers DNA and the Karnataka State Cricket Association, although no convictions have been made to date.
