The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) begins on Saturday with a match between defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
However, in a departure from tradition, the tournament will begin without an opening ceremony.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has canceled the formal swearing-in ceremony to honor the 11 people who died during the celebrations following Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL title win at the same stadium on June 4 last year.
BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia confirmed the decision, saying that no cultural or entertainment programs will be held ahead of the opening match.
“Due to the tragic incident on June 4 last year, there will be no formal function on the opening day of IPL 2026 in Bangalore,” Mr Saikia said.
“BCCI will not organize any cultural or entertainment program at the start of IPL 19 (sic) to honor the souls who lost their lives in the tragedy that took place on June 4, 2025,” he added.
He added that the board and the IPL governing body are now planning a grand entertainment function to mark the completion of the tournament, with the final expected to be held on May 31.
The 2025 season kicked off with a glittering opening ceremony at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, led by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders.
Defending champions RCB will play five of their seven home matches this season at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The stadium was banned from hosting cricket matches following the casualties last year, but the Karnataka government granted permission for the games just before the start of the 2026 campaign.
In previous seasons, RCB played all seven home matches in Bengaluru. However, their two home matches this year will be shifted to the Shaheed Vir Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.