IPL 2026 to begin without opening ceremony as BCCI pays tribute to stampede victims

The I ndian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season will begin on March 28 at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium , but this year the tournament will start without the usual opening ceremony. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has chosen to cancel the celebrations as a mark of respect for the 11 fans who lost their lives in the June 2025 stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory parade .

Before the opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad , players from both teams will wear black armbands , and a minute’s silence will be observed. The stadium has also installed a memorial plaque , while 11 seats will remain empty during the match to honor the supporters who died in the tragedy.

Following the incident last year, authorities have introduced enhanced safety measures for the new season. Entry to the stadium will now be managed through QR code-based digital tickets, while AI-driven surveillance systems will monitor crowd movement and density. Officials have also planned staggered entry timings to ease congestion at stadium gates.

Despite the somber circumstances, fan interest remains strong. Tickets for the opening match sold out within four minutes , highlighting the continuing popularity of the IPL.

While many fans see the tribute as a meaningful gesture, the return of cricket in Bengaluru has brought mixed emotions for families affected by the tragedy. As IPL 2026 begins, the opening night will serve both as the start of a new season and a moment of remembrance for those who lost their lives.