As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) gear up to kick off their IPL 2026 season at home, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is collaborating with the franchise to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in a stampede following last season’s title win. A memorial plaque will be unveiled near the stadium’s inner entrance before the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, with 11 seats inside the stadium permanently reserved in memory of the victims, to remain vacant during all future events, including international matches.
This dedicated area, likely situated in a prominent stand, will provide a tranquil space for reflection and remembrance. Sources mentioned plans to disclose further details, including the exact location of the memorial, during a press conference later in the day. The stampede occurred on June 4, 2025, outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during celebrations following RCB’s victory, claiming the lives of 11 fans and injuring over 50 due to overcrowding with a massive crowd of around 300,000 people.
Following the tragic incident, where the Karnataka government held RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and event organizers accountable for lack of necessary approvals and disturbances, the franchise announced compensation of ₹25 lakh for each bereaved family. Chinnaswamy Stadium refrained from hosting RCB matches since the stampede. However, with official consent, RCB is set to play five games at Chinnaswamy and two home matches in Raipur, as previously announced by the team.
