Why are RCB & SRH players wearing black armbands during opening match of IPL 2026?

RCB vs SRH match 1 of IPL 2026 is underway at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will look to start their title defence on a high, and there will be no better place to do so on their home turf against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Rajat Patidar and his men will aim for a solid start, and begin the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener on a positive note as they won the toss and opted to field.

At a venue like the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, it is a no brainer that teams want to chase. However, SRH will relish the chance to bat first, given their explosive batting lineup. They will be looking to post a massive score and give their team a strong start.

In the absence of Pat Cummins, it is Ishan Kishan, who is leading the side. Interestingly, the Men in Orange chose not to play Liam Livingstone, and instead went with Eshan Malinga.

RCB will look to restrict SRH to a low total, but will be fully aware of their opponent’s weakened playing team in the absence of original captain Pat Cummins.

Why are RCB & SRH players wearing black armbands during opening match of IPL 2026?

As RCB and SRH step out on the field to kick off the IPL 2026 season, players and the community remembered the tragedy which unfolded during RCB’s victory parade outside this stadium last year. A tragic stampede resulted in 11 deaths and dozens of injuries.

For a while, M.Chinnaswamy Stadium’s hosting rights were set to be removed, however the Karnataka Government eventually granted permission, after heightened security measures. In order to honour the sacrifice of those who died in the stampede last year, players of both teams and everyone else present in the stadium observed a moment’s silence.

Moreover, 11 seats have been permanently reserved for all future matches, as a lasting memorial for the 11 fallen fans. The seats have been adorned with flowers to honour the victims, and their names were installed near the stadium’s inner entrance.

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