BCCI to Forego IPL 2026 Opening Ceremony in Honor of Stampede Victims

The BCCI has announced that there will be no opening ceremony for IPL 2026 as a tribute to the victims of a tragic stampede at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This decision reflects the board's respect for those who lost their lives in the incident. In addition, RCB will honor the victims by keeping 11 seats empty during matches and providing compensation to the affected families. The IPL 2026 season will kick off with RCB hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad, while a grand closing ceremony is planned for the final match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 26, 2026, 13:56 IST

BCCI's Decision on IPL 2026 Opening Ceremony

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made the decision to forgo the opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League 2026. This choice is made to honor the memory of those who tragically lost their lives in the stampede that occurred at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during a celebration for RCB's victory. A report from a local media outlet confirmed this development, noting that the IPL governing council plans to hold a significant closing ceremony instead.

As stated by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, there will be no formal events on the opening day of IPL-2026, which is set to take place in Bengaluru. This decision is a mark of respect for the victims of the incident that took place on June 4, 2025. However, the BCCI and IPL Governing Council are organizing a grand entertainment event for the final match on May 31.

This is not the first instance of the IPL opening ceremony being canceled; in 2019, the BCCI also opted to skip the ceremony to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Pulwama attack, with the funds allocated for the ceremony donated to the victims' families.

RCB's Commemoration for the Victims

RCB's Tribute To Stampede Victims

In a show of solidarity, RCB has declared that 11 seats will remain vacant during each match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as a tribute to the deceased. Furthermore, players will don jersey number 11 during practice sessions and wear black armbands on the commemorative day. RCB has also pledged Rs 25 lakh in compensation to the families affected by this tragic event. The IPL 2026 season will commence with RCB facing off against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.