Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players will wear black armbands during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This emotional gesture is a tribute to the 11 fans who lost their lives in a tragic stampede during the team’s victory celebrations in June 2025.
RCB, the defending IPL champions after their maiden title win last season, will also observe other symbolic tributes during the match day.
Tributes Planned by RCB
- Players will wear black armbands throughout the match against SRH.
- During warm-up and practice sessions on match days, players will wear practice jerseys with the number 11.
- Eleven seats at the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be kept permanently empty as a mark of respect for the victims.
The franchise has described the deceased fans as part of the extended “RCB family” and aims to remember them during the season.
Background of the Tragedy
The stampede occurred on June 4, 2025, outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during large-scale celebrations following RCB’s IPL 2025 title victory. Overcrowding led to the tragic incident, resulting in 11 deaths and several injuries.
Following the incident, authorities conducted safety reviews and implemented enhanced crowd management measures at the stadium, including improved entry systems and surveillance.
Significance of the Match
The IPL 2026 season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad carries both competitive and emotional weight for RCB. The team returns to its home ground with renewed safety protocols while paying homage to its loyal supporters.
This tribute highlights the strong bond between the franchise and its fans as the new season begins.
