RCB Honors Fans with Memorial and Tribute During IPL 2026

Tribute to RCB Fans Lost in Tragedy

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 25: Venkatesh Prasad, the former Indian cricketer and current president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), announced that a special prayer service was conducted to honor the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) supporters who tragically lost their lives in a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium following RCB's first title victory in the previous Indian Premier League season.

Prasad revealed that in a gesture of respect, 11 seats will remain unoccupied during IPL and international matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

“We held a special prayer to remember those we lost and to show their families that we care. We will keep 11 seats vacant, and they will not be sold for any matches, whether IPL or international,” Prasad stated.

Karnataka's Home Minister G Parameshwara mentioned that the KSCA has established a memorial to honor the 11 individuals who passed away.

“An unfortunate incident occurred where 11 young lives were lost at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Karnataka government, along with the cricket association and RCB, faced criticism following this tragedy. In response, the government formed a commission led by Justice John Michael D'Cunha, which provided serious recommendations,” he explained.

“The KSCA has made necessary changes, and we have allowed them to continue hosting matches at this venue. They have also set up a memorial for the deceased, which I commend,” he added.

In a further tribute, RCB players will don jersey number 11 during their warm-up before the first home game of IPL 2026 and will wear black armbands during the match to honor the fans who lost their lives, as stated by Chief Executive Officer Rajesh Menon during the franchise's pre-season press conference.