The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to cancel the opening ceremony of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). This decision has been taken in order to pay homage to the victims of last year’s tragic stampede incident in Bengaluru.
In a conversation with The Times of India, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explained the decision, saying: “Due to last year’s tragic incident on 4 June, there will be no formal function on the opening day of IPL 2026 (in Bengaluru). The BCCI is not organising any cultural or entertainment show at the start of IPL 2026 as a mark of respect to the departed souls following that tragedy on 4 June 2025.”
RCB organised a victory parade after winning their maiden IPL title in 2025. During the event on June 4, a massive crowd gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which triggered chaos among fans and resulted in the deaths of 11 people, while more than 50 others were injured. Following that unfortunate incident, no cricket matches took place at the venue. Largely due to the efforts of KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad, cricket has found its way back to the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
This year, RCB will play five of their seven home matches in Bengaluru. Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium will host the other two fixtures.
Saikia confirmed that they are planning a grand closing ceremony for IPL 2026. “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 (31 May),” he added.
The 2026 IPL season will begin on March 28, with defending champions RCB taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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