11 Seats Empty, Black Armbands Worn: RCB Remembers Fans in IPL 2026
RCB honors 2025 stampede victims with black armbands, empty seats.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will wear black armbands during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, paying tribute to fans who tragically died in a stampede outside the venue last year following the team’s historic title win. In a statement, RCB said the gesture honors the eleven members of the “RCB family” who lost their lives on June 4, 2025.
As part of the tribute, players will wear practice jerseys with the number 11 during warm-ups and black armbands during the match. Additionally, eleven seats at M Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain unoccupied as a permanent remembrance for the fans whose support helped shape the team’s journey.
The stampede in June 2025 claimed 11 lives and left several others injured. Following the incident, cricket at the stadium was suspended, with high-profile tournaments—including the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup and the KSCA Maharaja Trophy league—being relocated due to safety concerns. The venue also missed hosting any T20 World Cup matches this year.
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Safety upgrades were implemented following recommendations from a government-appointed expert committee. The Karnataka cabinet approved the return of IPL matches to the stadium in February, and in March, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) obtained permission from Home Minister G Parmeshwara to host IPL 2026 matches, including playoffs and finals, at full capacity.
Vice President Sujit Somsundar represented KSCA in completing all phase one safety and infrastructure improvements. Measures included widening gates, enhancing exit areas, and setting up medical emergency facilities. An expert committee led by Maheshwar Rao inspected the stadium and approved the upgrades, allowing matches to be held safely for up to 33,000 spectators.
RCB’s tribute underscores the team’s commitment to honoring its fans while highlighting the enhanced safety measures at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The gesture serves as a solemn reminder of the lives lost during the 2025 celebrations and the importance of safety in large sporting events.
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