RCB vs SRH match will not be limited merely to the thrill of cricket; it will also be deeply intertwined with emotion. RCB players will take the field for this match wearing black armbands
Representational Image
Bangalore: The 2026 IPL season is set to kick off with a special and emotional encounter, as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) face off on March 28. This match will not be limited merely to the thrill of cricket; it will also be deeply intertwined with emotion. RCB players will take the field for this match wearing black armbands—a gesture linked to a very specific cause.
In fact, the RCB team is paying tribute to 11 of its fans who lost their lives in a stampede that occurred outside the stadium during the victory parade held after the team's title win last season. This incident was a deeply tragic one for the team, and now, in the very first match of the new season, the franchise is set to honor and remember these fans.
RCB’s Mega Deal: Team Sold for ₹16,000 Crore; Aditya Birla Group Becomes New Owner
In an official statement, the franchise remarked that it is an honor for them to pay tribute to the 11 members of the "RCB Family" who lost their lives in a tragic incident. This gesture also serves as a symbol of the deep bond shared between the team and its fans.
On this special occasion of remembrance, the players will wear practice jerseys bearing the number 11 during their warm-up session. Furthermore, during the match itself, all players will take the field wearing black armbands. Moreover, 11 seats within the stadium will be left vacant in memory of these fans, serving as a poignant reminder of their absence.
Did Virat Kohli ask RCB for a chartered plane to London? Star reacts with laughter
Regarding the venue, RCB will play its home matches this season at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where the team consistently receives magnificent support. Additionally, a few of the team's home matches are scheduled to be held in Raipur. Although there was initial uncertainty regarding the hosting of matches in Bengaluru, approval to conduct the fixtures there has now been granted following an inspection by an expert committee.
Thus, the 2026 IPL encounter promises to be a confluence of both cricket and emotion. Where, with every run and every moment, those 11 fans will be remembered. They will remain a part of the RCB family forever.
