The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to cancel the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opening ceremony as a mark of respect for the 11 deaths in stampede outside the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium during victory celebrations on June 4, 2025.
"Due to last year's tragic incident on June 4 last year, there will be no formal function on the day of the start of IPL-2026 (in Bengaluru). The BCCI is not organizing any cultural or entertainment show at the start of IPL-19 as a mark of respect to the departed souls due to that tragedy on June 4, 2025.
“However, the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council are planning a grand entertainment function at the closing of the IPL, on the day of the final (May 31)," Saikia told TOI.
On March 28, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will lock horns with the IPL 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). It will mark the IPL captaincy debut for Ishan Kishan in the absence of an injured Pat Cummins.
Similar action was taken for IPL 2019
The last time IPL opening ceremony was scrapped was in 2019 edition. The decision was taken after 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in Pulwama terrorist attack. The fund for the opening ceremony was then allocated to the families of the martyred soldiers.
RCB’s tribute to 11 fans
Earlier this week, RCB had announced that they will be leaving 11 seats empty at the stadium permanently to honour the 11 lives lost in the stampede. Also, the players will sport the number 11 jersey during practice on game day.
“In memory of the 11 fans who we lost on June 4, the players will be wearing jersey number 11 for the practice, on the game day, on the practice time before the match. So all the players will have jersey number 11 on the back, not for the game but for the practice.
"Apart from that, they will be also wearing a black armband on that day. We are also looking at having 11 permanent seats empty in Chinnaswamy Stadium forever. This is for the 11 fans who will be with us forever. That's a quick update on what we are doing this year,” Menon told the media during a press conference on March 24.