The Royal Challengers Bengaluru players will wear jersey number 11 during the warm-up session before their IPL 2026 opening match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. This emotional gesture honours the 11 passionate fans who died during a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium last year.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru CEO Rajesh Menon announced it on Tuesday, March 24, during the press conference. Along with wearing these special warm-up jerseys, the franchise will reserve 11 seats inside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and unveil a dedicated memorial plaque near the inner entrance.
This Is a Tribute to Our Fans - Rajesh Menon
Speaking to reporters, Rajesh Menon explained the emotional thought process behind these tributes. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru executive also expressed gratitude to the Karnataka government for facilitating the team’s return after the tragic June stampede during their maiden title celebrations.
"This is a tribute to our fans, who will always remain a part of our journey," Menon said.
“I would like to thank the government for making this possible. It has been a long journey since June 4, and everything has been executed on a war footing. We have worked to follow the SOPs provided by the court and ensure all protocols are in place."
We Have Significantly Strengthened Crowd Management Measures - Rajesh Menon
Rajesh Menon also highlighted the major infrastructural safety upgrades introduced ahead of the Indian Premier League season. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise has modernized crowd management systems at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, using advanced artificial intelligence tools to prevent overcrowding.
“We have significantly strengthened crowd management measures. We have implemented AI-led CCTV solutions across the stadium, including inside, the concourse, and surrounding areas, powered by an AI tool called Jarvis. This system provides real-time alerts, including stand-specific crowd counts, to ensure better monitoring and control. These CCTV feeds will also be accessible to the Commissioner’s office for real-time monitoring," said Menon.
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