The 2026 edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) will kick off with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday (March 28), but unlike previous editions of the world’s richest franchise cricket league, there will be no opening ceremony this year. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia, the board has decided to cancel the opening ceremony this year as a mark of respect for 11 people who lost their lives during RCB’s IPL title win celebration at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4.
However, the board and IPL Governing Council are planning a big closing ceremony for the final, which in all likelihood will be played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
“Due to last year’s tragic incident on June 4, there will be no formal function on the day of the start of IPL-2026 (in Bengaluru). The BCCI is not organising any cultural or entertainment show at the start of IPL-19 as a mark of respect to the departed souls due to that tragedy on June 4, 2025,”
