The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to honour the 11 people who lost their lives in a tragic stampede last year. The incident took place outside the stadium when massive crowds had gathered to celebrate RCB’s first ever IPL title win.
To remember the victims, a memorial plaque has been installed at the inner entrance of the stadium. The idea behind this is to create a space where people can pause and reflect on the lives lost.
There are also reports that 11 seats inside the stadium will be permanently reserved in memory of the victims. These seats will remain unsold during the IPL and international matches and the area will be kept aside as a mark of respect.
KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad confirmed that the plaque has been placed. He shared that the tragedy is still painful to think about but the association felt it was important to honour those who lost their lives. The goal, he explained, is not to bring back painful memories but to respectfully remember the fans whose lives were cut short.
As part of the tribute, a minute’s silence will be observed before matches at the venue and the names of the victims will be displayed inside the stadium.
The new IPL season will begin on March 28, with RCB facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match.
Meanwhile, safety has been a major focus this year. A mock drill was already conducted to test preparedness and a larger drill involving around 500 volunteers is planned to simulate match-day conditions.
After a detailed inspection, a government-appointed expert committee recently cleared the stadium to host matches again. RCB are scheduled to play five of their home games here, while two matches will be held at Shaheed Veer Narayan Stadium.
This season, alongside the thrill of cricket, the stadium will also carry a quiet reminder of the importance of safety and remembrance.
