In the first match of IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28.
11 empty seats were spotted in the stadium, which is unusual given that tickets for RCB's home games are usually hard to get.
The vacant seats symbolise the death of 11 people in a stampede last year during RCB’s victory parade outside the stadium.
Former Indian cricketer and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Venkatesh Prasad had said that the state board would keep 11 seats vacant for all IPL and international matches as a mark of respect.
RCB also posted a video on X before the start of the match, stating the same and informed that all the players will be playing with number 11 on their back in the match against SRH and will also wear a black armband.
Karnataka home minister G. Parameshwara said the KSCA has installed a memorial in remembrance of the 11 people who died.
