Days before RCB vs SRH IPL 2026 match, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium looks like a 'construction side'
Published - 26 Mar 2026, 04:02 PM | Updated - 26 Mar 2026, 04:05 PM
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The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) is all set to start on March 28. The opening match of the edition will be between the defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad (RCB vs SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Only a couple of days before the opener of IPL 2026, it is reported that construction works are still underway at the venue.
For the tragic incident outside the stadium last year during the RCB's victory parade, followed by a trophy celebration, the state government imposed a ban on the ground from arranging matches. Later, the Karnataka Cricket Association managed to get a clearance from the government so that the iconic stadium could arrange high-profile games, including the home matches of RCB.
RCB and the Karnataka cricket association will have to ensure the safety protocols at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
To ensure safety measures, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) decided to make big changes to the exits as well as the fan areas. According to the media reports, the deadline to complete the construction works was on March 15. In reality, carpenters, contractors, and vendors were spotted at the side, working hard to provide the final touch.
ESPNcricinfo reported, "On Wednesday evening, the Chinnaswamy resembled a construction site. Sheets of plywood greeted you at the main entrance, masking areas still under preparation and making you wonder about March 28, when the red carpet will be rolled out."
"We haven't slept for four days," one worker told the media website.
The team management takes multiple steps to show respect to the eleven fans
To show respect to the eleven fans who lost their lives because of the tragic stampede incident during the team's trophy-winning celebration, the RCB team management decided to take multiple steps. It was earlier reported that on the match day, Bengaluru players will do their training on match day, wearing jersey number 11. The franchise is likely to reserve eleven seats in the gallery in memory of the deceased fans.
Safety standards will be under scrutiny in the IPL 2026 season whenever RCB hosts their home match at the venue. While the team will try to defend their title, the management will have to work relentlessly to keep the safety and stadium conditions top-notch.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will not arrange the opening ceremony in response to the incident.
IPL 2026 will be without an opening ceremony
"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," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia informed.
"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)," he added.
Read More: RCB suffer huge blow! SLC blocks Nuwan Thushara’s IPL 2026 participation
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