IPL 2026 to Begin Without Opening Ceremony as BCCI Pays Tribute to Bengaluru Stampede Victims

Bengaluru | 27 March 2026 The Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to cancel the opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League 2026 season as a mark of respect for the 11 people who lost their lives in a tragic stampede in Bengaluru last year. The season will begin on March 28 with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, but without any pre-match celebrations. The decision comes in remembrance of the unfortunate incident that occurred on June 4, 2025, outside the stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title celebrations, where a stampede claimed 11 lives. Officials stated that skipping the ceremony is a gesture of respect towards the victims and their families. However, the IPL Governing Council is planning to hold a grand closing ceremony on May 31 to conclude the tournament on a celebratory note. This is not the first time the league has begun without an opening ceremony. In previous years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, 2021, and 2022, the ceremony was cancelled due to safety concerns. Similarly, in 2019, the opening event was called off following the Pulwama terror attack, with funds redirected to support the families of the victims. The IPL, which began in 2008, has grown into one of the world’s most popular T20 leagues. Teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have each won five titles, while Kolkata Knight Riders have secured three championships. As the new season begins on a subdued note, the focus remains on cricket, while honoring the memory of those who lost their lives. IPL 2026 to Begin Without Opening Ceremony as BCCI Pays Tribute to Bengaluru Stampede Victims The Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to cancel the opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League 2026 season as a mark of respect for the 11 people who lost their lives in a tragic stampede in Bengaluru last year. The season will begin on March 28 with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, but without any pre-match celebrations. The decision comes in remembrance of the unfortunate incident that occurred on June 4, 2025, outside the stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title celebrations, where a stampede claimed 11 lives. Officials stated that skipping the ceremony is a gesture of respect towards the victims and their families. However, the IPL Governing Council is planning to hold a grand closing ceremony on May 31 to conclude the tournament on a celebratory note. This is not the first time the league has begun without an opening ceremony. In previous years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, 2021, and 2022, the ceremony was cancelled due to safety concerns. Similarly, in 2019, the opening event was called off following the Pulwama terror attack, with funds redirected to support the families of the victims. The IPL, which began in 2008, has grown into one of the world’s most popular T20 leagues. Teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have each won five titles, while Kolkata Knight Riders have secured three championships. As the new season begins on a subdued note, the focus remains on cricket, while honoring the memory of those who lost their lives.