Why are RCB players wearing black armbands today vs SRH in IPL 2026 Match 1?

The IPL 2026 opener is going to be very special for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The highly anticipated encounter is not a mere match for them, it will be a medium for them to show respect to the fans who lost their lives last year, during the team's trophy celebration at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

News agency ANI reported that all the players of RCB will wear black armbands during their match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). It will be a symbol to pay tribute to the eleven lives who left their mortal bodies. On June 4, 2025, 11 RCB fans lost their lives because of a tragic stampede incident. The incident was not only a black day for RCB, but also for the Indian Premier League.

Multiple initiatives for the RCB vs SRH IPL 2026 match in memory of the eleven fans

Ahead of the RCB vs SRH match on Saturday, it was reported that the management based in Bengaluru has taken multiple significant steps to pay respect to the eleven fans. Apart from wearing black arm bands, there can be eleven reserved seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, completely dedicated to those eleven deceased fans. Before the match, when players are on the ground for routine warm-ups, Bengaluru cricketers can be seen with jersey number 11 on their backs.

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In respect of the fans, there will be no traditional opening ceremony as well, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed.

IPL without any opening ceremony

"Due to last year’s tragic incident on June 4, there will be no formal function on the day of the start of IPL-2026 (in Bengaluru). The BCCI is not organising 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 was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Instead of an opening ceremony, this year, the board is planning to arrange a closing ceremony, which can be hosted in Bengaluru.

"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)," Saikia added.

Memorial plaque at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

Before the opening match of the IPL 2026 season, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) set up a memorial plaque at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium honouring 11 fans lost in the victory parade stampede on June 4, 2025.

After the tragic incident, the state government sanctioned a temporary ban on the ground from arranging any high-calibre matches. Later, KSCA's effort opens the door of the stadium again for the high-profile games, including the home fixtures of RCB. With a limited number of attendees in the gallery, there will be tight security and attendance on the ground to ensure the safety of the fans. Ahead of the season, some reinforcement works were also undertaken to make the events safer than before.

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