Indian Premier League champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will leave 11 seats permanently empty at their home ground as a tribute to supporters who lost their lives during last year’s title celebrations, the franchise said on Tuesday.
Eleven fans, aged between 14 and 29, died in a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in June after RCB secured their first IPL title.
The 2026 IPL season begins on Saturday, with Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening fixture. In remembrance, the players — including star batter Virat Kohli — will warm up wearing jerseys bearing the number 11 and will don black armbands during the match.
“This is a tribute to our fans, who will always remain a part of our journey,” chief executive Rajesh Menon said, referring to the permanently vacant seats.
Following the tragedy, authorities declared the stadium unsafe, citing structural shortcomings and inadequate crowd management. Several key fixtures were subsequently relocated.
However, earlier this month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed the venue would resume hosting matches, including Bengaluru’s home games.
Menon said safety arrangements have since been “significantly strengthened”, including the installation of AI-powered surveillance cameras.
“The system provides real-time alerts, including stand-specific crowd counts, to ensure better monitoring and control,” he added.
The fatal crush occurred a day after Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings in the IPL final and returned home for a trophy parade. Hundreds of thousands lined the streets to welcome Kohli and his victorious teammates.
More than 50 people were injured in the incident. Police questioned several officials, including a senior RCB executive, as well as representatives from event organisers DNA and the Karnataka State Cricket Association. No convictions have been made so far.
