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RCB Honors Stampede Victims, Praises Authorities for Smooth IPL 2026 Opener

Royal Challengers Bengaluru thanked Karnataka authorities for ensuring a safe and smooth start to their IPL 2026 home season. The match began with tributes to the eleven fans who died in a stampede during the team's 2025 title celebrations. Memorials included a moment of silence, black armbands, and a permanent plaque at the stadium. On the field, RCB chased down 201 runs to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Key Points: RCB Thanks Authorities for Safe IPL 2026 Start, Honors Fans

  • Smooth IPL 2026 opener at Chinnaswamy
  • Tribute to 2025 stampede victims
  • 11 seats permanently reserved
  • Memorial plaque unveiled
  • RCB wins high-scoring match
2 min read

'Our priority is safety of fans': RCB praise authorities for hassle-free start to IPL 2026

RCB praises authorities for a safe IPL 2026 opener, honors 11 fans lost in a 2025 stampede with memorials and a moment of silence.

"Our endeavour and priorities will remain the same throughout the season - safety and well-being of our dear fans! - RCB"

Bengaluru, March 29

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have expressed gratitude towards the authorities and the state government after the smooth conduct of the Indian Premier League 2026 opener played at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday.

This was the first big match held at the ground after the drastic incident occurred on June 4, 2025, when eleven lives were lost after a stampede due to thousands of fans gathering outside the ground to celebrate RCB's maiden IPL title win.

"RCB sincerely and wholeheartedly thanks the Karnataka State Government, Bengaluru City Police, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Public Works Department, Fire Department and Namma Metro for enabling the smooth conduct of our home game in Bengaluru last night," RCB wrote on X.

Team also reiterated their commitment towards fans' safety and wrote: "Our endeavour and priorities will remain the same throughout the season - safety and well-being of our dear fans!"

Players, officials and fans observed a minute's silence ahead of the match in memory of eleven supporters who died in a stampede during RCB's title celebrations last year.

Both teams took the field wearing black armbands as a mark of respect, while RCB also warmed up in jerseys bearing the number 11. In a symbolic gesture, 11 seats inside the stadium have been permanently reserved at the stadium to honour those who lost their lives.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also unveiled a memorial plaque made in memory of the eleven fans and installed at the entrance of the venue, as top-flight cricket returned to the ground for the first time since May 2025.

Speaking of the match, SRH posted a mammoth total of 201 runs with the help of Ishan Kishan's 80 off 35. RCB chased down the total in just 15.4 overs to clinch the win by 6 wickets with the help of half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the authorities and the team learned from the past. The coordination between police, metro, and fire department is crucial. Hope this standard is maintained for all matches, not just the opener. Chinnaswamy can get incredibly packed.
R
Rohit P
What a win! Kohli and Padikkal were on fire 🔥. But more importantly, the match happened smoothly. The black armbands and the minute's silence showed real heart. We celebrate cricket, but we must never forget those 11 lives. #RCB
A
Ananya R
While the gestures are appreciated, I hope this isn't just for show. The real test is crowd management for a high-stakes knockout match. Last year's incident was a massive failure in planning. Authorities need to be proactive, not reactive.
S
Siddharth J
The permanent reserved seats is such a powerful and emotional idea. Every time fans see those empty seats, they'll remember. It's a lesson for all sporting venues in India. Safety protocols need to be top-notch, always. Good start this season.
K
Kavya N
As a Bengalurean, I was nervous about going to the stadium again. But seeing the detailed arrangements and the respect shown has given me some confidence. Thank you to the police and Namma Metro staff for managing the crowds well. Let's keep it safe!

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