Revealed: Why RCB players will wear black armbands and No.11 jersey in IPL 2026?
Published - 24 Mar 2026, 03:02 PM | Updated - 24 Mar 2026, 03:05 PM
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In a heartwarming gesture, the management of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has taken several decisions to pay tribute to the fans who lost their lives in the tragic incident outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium last year during the trophy-winning celebration.
RCB claimed their maiden IPL trophy in the previous session, followed by a grand celebration. A countless number of fans gathered on the roads of Bengaluru to be part of the celebration. Amidst the celebration, a tragic incident shook everyone. 11 fans of RCB lost their lives outside the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, because of a stampede incident.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will pay respect to the 11 fans who died during the IPL 2025 trophy celebration
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will start their IPL 2026 season as the defending champions on March 28. In the opening match of the session, the franchise has chosen to pay respect to the fans who lost their lives in the stampede. According to fresh media reports, the Red and Black camp has taken multiple decisions regarding this.
According to the media reports, all of the RCB players will be wearing jersey No. 11 during practice sessions as a mark of respect for the eleven fans who lost their lives during the stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium last year. During the match, the players will play the match with black armbands, and the franchise is reportedly looking to book eleven seats permanently at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Multiple steps taken by the franchise to show respect to the eleven fans
For the opening match of IPL 2026, RCB will be up against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The match is expected to be a nail-biting contest as both teams are packed with world-class batters. Though the spotlight will be on Virat Kohli, who was one of the main reasons Bengaluru claimed the IPL 2025 trophy, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the summit clash.
For the highly anticipated match, a large crowd is expected. The management of the home team, which is the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will ensure all safety standards so that everyone inside the stadium can enjoy the match safely.
List of key security arrangements to encourage by the home team at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium:
1. Massive Surveillance System
2. Enhanced coordination between the security personnel.
3. Strict entry and ticketing system.
4. Advance technology to control the crowd.
5. Baggage and security checks.
6. Medical and emergency Preparedness.
The crowd capacity of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will be limited
According to media reports, the match will be held with a reduced crowd. The crowd capacity is capped at 28,000 spectators, instead of 35,000 to 40, 000, which is the original crowd capacity of the stadium. To avoid any unnecessary circumstances and keep the security tight, the number of people in the crowd will be limited.
The opening match of the IPL 2026 against SRH is not only important for the players but also for the RCB management and officials to conduct a match with strict precautions.
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