11 empty seats, a memorial plaque for stampede victims at KSCA

Bengaluru: June 4, 2025, left an indelible scar on Bengaluru's sporting landscape. The tragic loss of 11 lives outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's first-ever IPL title celebrations continues to resonate deeply.As the defending champions begin their title defence at home, both Karnataka State Cricket Association and Bengaluru-based franchise have decided to honour the memory of the young victims, including a 14-year-old.In the run-up to the season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad Saturday, KSCA will unveil a memorial plaque near the inner entrance of the stadium, close to the mural. The tribute aims to create a lasting space for remembrance within the venue that witnessed both joy and tragedy.In a further gesture, 11 seats in the stadium will be permanently reserved in memory of those who lost their lives. The seats will not be sold for any matches, including international fixtures. The seats are expected to be located together in a premier stand, allowing the area to be cordoned off as a mark of respect.On match day, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will lead tributes before the start of play. The names of the victims will be displayed inside the stadium, followed by a minute's silence. The visiting team is expected to join the remembrance.The memorial plaque will be a point of remembrance, akin to the Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield Stadium, which commemorates the 97 Liverpool fans who died following a crush during the FA Cup semifinal on April 15, 1989, at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield.Confirming KSCA's plans, president Venkatesh Prasad told TOI, "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." On the seats being marked, Prasad refused to divulge information and said, "It's a joint decision between the KSCA and the franchise since they are an integral part of the Chinnaswamy Stadium."RCB CEO Rajesh Menon remained unavailable for comment.As competitive cricket returns to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the tributes ensure the memories of those who lost their lives remain etched into the fabric of the venue they had gathered to celebrate in.