As the new IPL season begins, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are not just focusing on cricket, they’re also remembering a heartbreaking moment from their past.
In a moving gesture, the team has decided that players will wear jersey number 11 during the warm-up session of their IPL 2026 opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. This decision was announced by CEO Rajesh Menon as a tribute to the 11 fans who lost their lives in a tragic stampede last year.
The incident took place outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium when massive crowds had gathered to celebrate RCB’s first ever IPL title win. The overwhelming turnout led to chaos, resulting in 11 d*aths and more than 50 people being injured. Reports suggested that around 300,000 people were present at the time, far beyond safe capacity.
Rajesh Menon explained that this tribute is dedicated to the fans, acknowledging their importance in the team’s journey. Along with this gesture, the franchise has planned several steps to honour the victims and ensure such incidents are not repeated.
Before the match against Hyderabad, RCB officials will install a memorial plaque near the stadium’s inner entrance. This space is intended to give fans a place to pause and remember those who lost their lives.
In addition, the team plans to permanently reserve 11 seats inside the stadium in memory of the victims. These seats will remain empty during all events, including IPL and international matches, serving as a silent tribute. The reserved section is expected to be placed in a visible area and treated as a quiet remembrance zone.
Rajesh Menon also highlighted the extensive efforts made to improve safety at the stadium. He acknowledged the support of the government and said that preparations have been carried out with urgency, following all required guidelines and protocols.
After the tragic incident on June 4, 2025, authorities had taken strict action. The Karnataka State Cricket Association, RCB and event partners were held responsible for lapses and the stadium was temporarily barred from hosting public events.
However, after necessary upgrades and safety improvements, the government has now cleared the venue to host IPL 2026 matches again. RCB are set to play five home games at the Chinnaswamy Stadium this season, while two additional home matches will take place in Raipur, as announced earlier.
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