Virat Kohli’s RCB take emotional step ahead of IPL 2026, stampede victims to be honoured

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take an emotional step ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The defending champions will honor the 11 fans who lost their lives in a tragic stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during their maiden IPL title celebrations on June 4, 2025.

Notably, RCB will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28. The Rajat Patidar-led side will enter the tournament for the first time as defending champions after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final to win the trophy, although the celebrations were overshadowed by the tragic incident.

RCB, KSCA to Honour 11 Victims at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru

Following the stampede, the Karnataka State Cricket Association has implemented strict measures. The KSCA will unveil a dedicated memorial plaque near the inner stadium entrance to honour the victims inside the iconic venue.

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In another touching gesture, the KSCA and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will reserve 11 seats inside the stadium. These seats will never be sold during any domestic or international matches, keeping the area vacant as a mark of respect.

Before the season opener, RCB will lead pre-match tributes alongside Sunrisers Hyderabad. The stadium screens will display the victims' names, followed by a minute’s silence. This tribute mirrors the famous Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield Stadium, which honours the 97 Liverpool fans who died in 1989.

It’s a Joint Decision Between KSCA and RCB - KSCA President Venkatesh

KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad spoke about the emotional decision to create the memorial. Prasad said that the managing committee and key stakeholders wanted to respectfully honour the young cricket fans.

“It is painful to even think about the tragic incident. But we have been discussing the memorial for a while with the managing committee and other major stakeholders and collectively felt it was important to honour the memory of the 11 people," said Prasad as quoted by the Times of India.

"We don’t want to rekindle any pain; instead, remember them. That’s why we decided to place an epitaph of the cricket fans whose lives were cut short tragically."

“It’s a joint decision between the KSCA and the franchise since they are an integral part of the Chinnaswamy Stadium,” he added.

Blackstone Eyes Major Investment as Multiple Bidders Target RCB Ownership Stake

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are currently undergoing major corporate changes. American alternative investment firm Blackstone Inc. is reportedly exploring a significant investment in the lucrative Indian Premier League.

Blackstone could invest between $200 million and $300 million to acquire a substantial stake in the franchise. According to Bloomberg, the firm may route this investment through its Blackstone Private Equity Strategies Fund.

Using this fund would allow Blackstone to hold a stake in Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Rajasthan Royals for a longer duration than typically permitted.

Several major entities have submitted final bids for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. These include the Azim Premji family office, EQT AB, and a consortium led by Manipal Hospitals owner Ranjan Pai.

Additionally, a consortium involving the Aditya Birla Group and David Blitzer is also considering acquiring a stake in the franchise.

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