RCB, KSCA to reserve 11 seats and install memorial plaque to remember stampede victims

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) have announced the reservation of 11 seats at the Chinnaswamy Stadium permanently in remembrance of the June 4, 2025 stampede victims and the installation of a memorial plaque near the stadium entrance.

KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad shed light on the decision and shared the details of the latest development. The former pacer revealed that the idea to have a memorial dedicated to the victims was in the works for some time and the intention was to remember them rather than reignite the pain. Prasad also shared that the decision was jointly taken by the board as well as the franchise.

“It is painful to even think about the tragic incident. But we have been discussing the memorial for a while with the managing committee and other major stakeholders and collectively felt it was important to honour the memory of the 11 people. We don’t want to rekindle any pain; instead, remember them. That’s why we decided to place an epitaph of the cricket fans whose lives were cut short tragically. It’s a joint decision between the KSCA and the franchise since they are an integral part of the Chinnaswamy Stadium,” said Prasad to The Times of India.

A day after the franchise won its maiden IPL title last year, victory celebrations were held at the iconic venue which witnessed a sea of fans trying to get into the stadium. Lack of proper arrangements to handle the huge number of fans, unfortunately, led to a stampede which killed 11 fans.

Following the tragic event, the state government denied the KSCA permission to host matches at the venue until corrective measures were implemented. The new management, led by president Prasad, came to power after the board elections in December, 2025 and devised plans to implement changes so that it becomes safer for the patrons to attend games at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Earlier this month, a state government-appointed expert committee conducted an audit of the entire venue to evaluate the structural changes and crowd control measures that the board, franchise and its event management firm intends to implement. The outcome of the inspection came out positive three days later which meant that the Chinnaswamy Stadium could host matches once again, starting with the first match of IPL 2026 between the home team and Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28.