RCB vs SRH: Why IPL 2026 will start without an opening ceremony
IPL 2026 will be the first time in history without an opening ceremony, honoring the victims of a tragic stampede during celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL title in 2025. The stadium will have 11 empty seats, players will wear black armbands and observe a minute of silence. This is not the first time the IPL has skipped an opening ceremony.