In the upcoming IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru players will be training in jersey No.11 on match days as a tribute to the fans who tragically lost their lives in a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium last year. The stampede occurred during RCB’s celebratory events after winning their maiden IPL trophy, leading to chaos and criticism of the franchise’s handling of the situation.
RCB CEO Rajesh Menon announced that players will wear jersey No.11 during practice before games, along with black armbands. The franchise also plans to designate 11 permanent seats in the stadium in memory of the fans who passed away. The defending champions will kick off their season on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where they will play five home matches. Additionally, RCB will play their remaining two home matches at Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium this season.
The tribute to the fans and the special initiatives by RCB showcase the franchise’s commitment to honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. The upcoming season will be an emotional and poignant one for the team and their fans as they remember and pay tribute to the 11 individuals who will always be a part of the RCB family.
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