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RCB to Honor Stampede Victims with Black Armbands in IPL Opener

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will pay tribute to the eleven fans who died in a stampede last year by wearing black armbands and practice jerseys bearing the number 11 during their IPL opener. The team has also designated eleven seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to remain permanently unoccupied as a lasting memorial. The stadium is hosting IPL matches again after implementing extensive safety upgrades recommended by a government committee. These improvements, which allowed the venue to regain permission for full-capacity events, included widening gates and enhancing emergency exits and medical facilities.

Key Points: RCB Tribute: Black Armbands for 11 Fans Lost in Stampede

  • Tribute to 11 deceased fans
  • Black armbands & special jerseys
  • 11 seats permanently unoccupied
  • Stadium safety upgrades approved
2 min read

RCB players to wear black armbands during IPL opener as tribute to fans killed in Chinnaswamy stampede last year

RCB players will wear black armbands and leave 11 seats empty as a permanent tribute to fans killed in last year's Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede.

"a lasting gesture of remembrance, eleven seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain unoccupied - RCB Statement"

Bengaluru, March 28

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru team will wear black armbands during their Indian Premier League campaign opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday to pay tribute to fans who tragically lost their lives in the stampede outside the venue following team's historic title win last year.

A statement from RCB said, "Royal Challengers Bengaluru will pay tribute to the eleven members of the RCB family who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate incident on June 4."

"As a mark of respect, players will wear practice jerseys bearing the number 11 during the warm-up, followed by black armbands during the match."

"In a lasting gesture of remembrance, eleven seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain unoccupied, serving as a permanent tribute to the fans whose unwavering support will always be a part of the RCB family," the statement concluded.

11 people died, and several were injured in the stampede outside the stadium during the victory celebrations last year. Cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium had been suspended since June 2025, when a stampede during RCB's IPL title celebration resulted in 11 deaths and multiple injuries. Since then, high-profile tournaments, including the ICC Women's ODI World Cup, and the state's KSCA Maharaja Trophy league, were relocated at short notice amid safety concerns. Also, the stadium did not get any T20 World Cup matches this year.

Following the recommendation from a govt-appointed expert committee, the Karnataka cabinet had given approval for the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches to be held at the venue back in February.

In March, The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) successfully obtained permission from Home Minister G Parmeshwara to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 matches, including playoffs and finals, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Represented by Vice President Sujit Somsundar, KSCA completed all phase one safety and infrastructure improvements recommended by various departments, including the police, PWD, fire force, and medical authorities. These improvements involved widening gates, enhancing exit areas, and setting up medical emergencies.

An expert committee, led by Maheshwar Rao, inspected the stadium and approved the measures.The stadium is permitted to host matches at full capacity (33,000 spectators) due to the implemented safety measures.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the tribute is good, the real tribute is ensuring such a tragedy never happens again. I hope the safety upgrades are genuine and not just for show. The authorities failed those fans last year with poor crowd management.
D
David E
As a long-time cricket follower, it's heartbreaking. The empty seats idea is poignant. Glad to see the stadium is back, but the focus must remain on fan safety above all else. Let's hope lessons were truly learned.
A
Ananya R
Chinnaswamy is our fortress, but it felt wrong to celebrate there after what happened. This tribute brings some closure. Hope the team plays their hearts out for those who can't be there. Ee Sala Cup Nam... we remember.
S
Suresh O
Good move by RCB management. The permanent empty seats is a classy touch. It's also a relief that the stadium got the necessary clearances after proper inspection. Bengaluru deserves to host big matches safely.
K
Kavya N
The loss of those lives overshadowed the historic title win. This tribute, especially on the opening match, is the right thing to do. Let's support responsibly and honor their memory by being safe and orderly fans.

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