KSCA and RCB Dedicate Memorial and 11 Permanent Seats to Stampede Victims
BENGALURU — The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will honor the 11 victims of the June 4, 2025, stampede with a permanent memorial at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) affiliated M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The tragedy resulted in 11 fatalities during celebrations following the franchise’s first Indian Premier League championship.
Permanent Memorial and Reserved Seating
Ahead of the season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the KSCA will unveil a memorial plaque near the stadium’s inner entrance mural. Additionally, 11 seats in a premier stand will remain permanently reserved to honor the victims, who included a 14-year-old fan. These seats will not be sold for any future domestic or international fixtures. This approach mirrors global sports memorials, such as the Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield.
- Memorial Plaque: Installed near the inner entrance mural to establish a permanent space for remembrance.
- Reserved Seating: 11 premier seats cordoned off permanently and removed from all ticketing inventory.
- Match Day Tribute: Victim names displayed on stadium screens, followed by a minute’s silence before the first ball.
KSCA Leadership Statement
KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad confirmed the association’s plans, emphasizing a focus on remembrance. “We have been discussing the memorial with the managing committee and major stakeholders to honor the 11 people,” Prasad stated. “We decided to place an epitaph for the cricket fans whose lives were cut short.”
Prasad noted that the seating arrangement is a joint initiative between the state association and the franchise. RCB CEO Rajesh Menon was unavailable for comment regarding the specific logistics of the upcoming pre-match tributes.
Memorial Initiatives Summary
| Initiative | Location / Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial Plaque | Inner entrance, M Chinnaswamy Stadium | To be unveiled before season opener |
| Reserved Seats | Premier stand | Permanently unsold |
| Pre-match Tribute | On-field and digital displays | Scheduled vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad |
The visiting Sunrisers Hyderabad team will join the remembrance protocols before the match begins. For ongoing updates regarding stadium protocols and the upcoming tournament schedule, fans can refer to ESPNcricinfo.