In a stunning development that could reshape their title defense, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to play the IPL 2026 season away from their iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Following a tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives and injured over 70 outside the venue on June 4, just a day after RCB’s historic IPL 2025 win, the Karnataka government has declared the stadium unfit for hosting major events, including high-profile cricket matches.

The incident occurred during a victory celebration parade that drew an estimated 300,000 fans, nearly ten times the stadium’s 35,000 capacity. Mismanagement of security and lack of crowd control were cited in a judicial commission’s scathing report, which held RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and event organizers DNA Entertainment Networks responsible for the chaos. Shockingly, all 79 police officers deployed for the event were stationed inside the stadium, with none outside to manage the massive crowd.

The Karnataka cabinet has approved legal action against key individuals from RCB, KSCA, and the event agency. While the state government initially appeared to blame the IPL franchise, it has since acknowledged failures on the part of senior police officials as well, including the suspension of Bengaluru’s police commissioner and other top officers. The official report, led by retired Justice John Michael D’Cunha, found the organizers operated without necessary permissions, failed to regulate entries, and ignored critical safety measures.

ALSO SEE: IPL to ban RCB? Stampede to put IPL 2025 winners in massive trouble

RCB set to play IPL 2026 away from Chinnaswamy after stampede tragedy forces stadium ban

As a consequence, RCB will lose the home-ground advantage at Chinnaswamy, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere and die-hard fan base. The franchise will be assigned a new home stadium for the 2026 edition, though the BCCI has yet to confirm the replacement venue.

RCB had just finished their long wait for a title with Rajat Patidar's January coming out party as they defeated Punjab Kings at the 2025 IPL final in Ahmedabad, but the elations turned into a tragedy, and we are now dealing with the ramifications of it before what should be an eventful season.

The event has also sparked political blame games, where the opposition BJP is blaming the Congress-led Karnataka government for endorsing the event without any real enforcement of safety norms. The Karnataka Government ,meanwhile, pledges to restructure those safety norms before allowing a large, public events at the stadium. And with court processes continuing, with no solid timeline in which Chinnaswamy will become a cricket venue again, it is a difficult transition year for RCB away from home as defending champions, under significant public scrutiny.

The RCB Unbox 2025 event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was a grand affair for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) supporters. The event, which took place on March 17, 2025, unveiled the new team and revealed the jersey of the team for the next IPL season.

But the most poignant moment of the evening was when the stadium reverberated with deafening shouts of "ABD, ABD" in honor of former RCB legend AB de Villiers.

A Fan Favorite Forever

AB de Villiers, popularly called Mr. 360, was one of RCB's most important players for 11 years, scoring 5162 runs in the IPL.His match-winning sixes, phenomenal associations with Virat Kohli, and match-winning knocks that nobody will ever forget made him a fan favorite.

ALSO SEE: Virat Kohli at the RCB Unbox 2025 Event Sends Fans into Excitement

Although he retired, the affection for de Villiers is unabated among RCB fans. His name continues to remind one of sheer thrill rides, unbelievable strokes, and moments to cherish at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

'ABD, ABD' chants at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. 🔥pic.twitter.com/9VlHFK6W7N

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 17, 2025

Looking Ahead

While RCB readies for IPL 2025, there's always hope for a fruitful season for fans. However, one thing is certain: AB de Villiers will remain special to RCB fans. "ABD, ABD" slogans are an assurance that legends never disappear!

The Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore became part of memorable moments, heartwarming gestures, and emotional anecdotes on March 19. RCB Unbox event saw Virat Kohli and the whole RCB men’s team lined up to welcome Smriti Mandhana led women’s team on the field.

Guard of honour for Smriti Mandhana led RCB Women

Smriti Mandhana and her RCB women’s team finally brought the maiden trophy for the franchise when they won WPL 2024 by beating Delhi Capitals on Sunday. While fans erupted in joy, players could not stop congratulating the women for the achievement. Virat Kohli, the veteran core member of the side was seen video calling the women’s team after the massive win and congratulating the captain. No wonder, the winning team was invited to the RCB Unbox event. While their presence received lots of warmth from the fans, RCB men’s gesture for their women’s side broke the internet.

Virat Kohli and his team lined up to form a guard of honour and welcomed the women’s team on the field. Smriti Mandhana walked in with the trophy in hand and the rest of the team followed. They were welcomed amidst a huge cheer and applause from the home audience at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

See also: IPL 2024: SWOT Analysis of Delhi Capitals

RCB Women take victory lap at RCB Unbox

Smriti Mandhana led Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Delhi Capitals by eight wickets to win the Women’s Premier League 2024. Despite being dismissed for a mere 113 runs, the Delhi Capitals bowlers fought back and managed to take the match to the final over making the climax a nail-biting one. Eventually, Bangalore won it with just three balls remaining and Smriti Mandhana’s side became part of history.

Despite the overseas players are already back home to resume their national duties, the spirit remained intact. Ellyse Perry joined the celebration through video call. The team took the victory lap while the stadium was painted with red flags.