Yes, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium will erupt. Yes, they will cheer the loudest when their defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter the ground. But the return of IPL cricket to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium this season will be a very different emotion. Less than a year after one of the darkest days in Bengaluru’s sporting history, RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) are preparing to ensure that the memories of those lost are not forgotten.
On June 4, 2025, what was meant to be a day of celebration after RCB’s maiden IPL title turned into tragedy, with 11 lives lost outside the stadium. The franchise was put on notice. The ground was put on notice and the entire country mourned. The stadium wasn’t allowed to host IPL games until the very last moment. Now that the BCCI has given the green light, the management is looking to pay homage to the unfortunate victims.
IPL 2026: Memorial at Chinnaswamy to honour 11 lives lost
As per the Times of India, the KSCA will unveil a memorial plaque near the inner entrance of the stadium, close to the mural. It will be to create a permanent space inside the stadium that acknowledges both the joy the venue has given fans over the years and the grief it witnessed that night.
Alongside the plaque, 11 seats inside the stadium will be permanently reserved in memory of the victims. These seats will remain unsold for all matches, including international fixtures, and are likely to be grouped together in a premier stand as a mark of respect.
KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad admitted the decision wasn’t easy but necessary. “It is painful to even think about the tragic incident. But we have been discussing the memorial for a while with the managing committee and other major stakeholders and collectively felt it was important to honour the memory of the 11 people. We don’t want to rekindle any pain; instead, remember them. That’s why we decided to place an epitaph of the cricket fans whose lives were cut short tragically.“
He also confirmed that reserving the seats was a joint call. “It’s a joint decision between the KSCA and the franchise since they are an integral part of the Chinnaswamy Stadium.” Meanwhile, RCB CEO Rajesh Menon has also mentioned that all the players will train with jersey No. 11 on their back.
RCB to lead tributes as cricket returns to Bengaluru
Not just this as the KSCA has prepared more. When RCB take the field for their opening game, the names of the 11 victims will be displayed inside the stadium, followed by a minute’s silence before the start of play. The opposition team is also expected to join the gesture. The memorial is being seen as a long-term tribute, similar in intent to the Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield.
Security, too, has been tightened ahead of the season opener, with Bengaluru Police reviewing arrangements across entry points, stands and holding areas to avoid any repeat of last year’s incident. The sale of the opening IPL 2026 game between the RCB and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be live today (March 24). It will be available only on the official RCB website.
IPL 2026 – Matches in Bengaluru
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | Local Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Match | March 28 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| 11th Match | April 5 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
Cricket
IPL 2026: RCB, KSCA to honour 11 fans with memorial at M Chinnaswamy Stadium after stampede tragedy
