Why RCB Players Are Wearing Black Armbands in IPL 2026 Opener?

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team will wear black armbands during their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday as a tribute to fans who tragically lost their lives in a stampede outside the stadium after the team’s historic title win last year.

The gesture is meant to honor those who were part of the RCB family and remember the tragic incident that took place. Royal Challengers Bengaluru shared that the team will pay tribute to the eleven fans who lost their lives on June 4. As a sign of respect, the players will wear practice jerseys with the number 11 during the warm-up, and RCB black armbands during the match.

RCB Black Armbands in IPL Opener 2026

As a lasting tribute, eleven seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will be kept empty, remembering the fans whose love and support will always remain a part of the RCB family. This step, along with wearing black armbands in IPL during RCB vs SRH 2026 opening clash, shows the team’s effort to honor their fans.

A total of 11 people lost their lives and many others were injured in the stampede outside the stadium during last year’s victory celebrations. Cricket at the venue was stopped after the June 2025 incident, which led to serious safety concerns. Since then, major events like the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup and the KSCA Maharaja Trophy were shifted to other venues at short notice. The stadium also did not host any matches in this year’s T20 World Cup.

Infrastructure Improvements Made in Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL 2026

Acting on the advice of a government-appointed expert panel, the Karnataka cabinet cleared the return of one of the biggest cricket leagues in the world, the Indian Premier League matches to the venue in February. A month later, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), represented by Vice President Sujit Somsundar, secured final approval from Home Minister G. Parmeshwara to stage IPL 2026 fixtures, including the playoffs and the final, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Before getting the green signal, KSCA carried out the safety and infrastructure upgrades suggested by multiple agencies such as the police, Public Works Department, fire services, and medical teams. The work included expanding entry gates, improving exit routes, and on-site medical response systems.

The upgraded arrangements were reviewed by an expert committee, which cleared the venue after inspection. With these measures in place, the stadium has been allowed to operate at full capacity, accommodating around 33,000 spectators.