Why will RCB wear black armbands vs SRH in IPL 2026 opener?

Cricket

IPL 2026 begins with an emotional moment as Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opener.

RCB players will wear black armbands during the match to honour fans who lost their lives last year

After RCB’s historic title win in 2025, a tragic stampede outside the stadium led to the death of 11 fans

Players will wear jerseys with the number 11 during warm-ups to remember the victims and show respect

11 seats at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain empty as a permanent tribute to the fans

With improved safety measures in place, cricket returns to Bengaluru, but this opener will be about respect as much as the game.

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