Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : March 26: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the cancellation of the opening ceremony for the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), scheduled to begin in two days. The decision comes as a mark of respect for the 11 fans who lost their lives last year during the RCB championship celebrations on June 4, 2024, when a stampede occurred, leaving the cricketing fraternity and supporters in shock.

Speaking to a national news outlet, BCCI Secretary Debajit Saikia confirmed that no cultural or entertainment programs will take place on the first day of the tournament. He stated that the move is intended to pay homage to the victims of the tragic incident. Saikia added that while the opening day will be solemn, the finals on May 31 will feature a large-scale entertainment program.

Last year’s IPL opening ceremony at Eden Gardens had been a grand affair, with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, and actor Disha Patani performing, alongside other elaborate cultural programs. This year, however, the BCCI has decided to forgo all celebrations to maintain a respectful and commemorative atmosphere. A similar decision had been taken in 2019 following the Pulwama terror attack, when the IPL opening ceremony was canceled and the allocated funds were donated to the families of the martyrs.

The IPL 2025 season will kick off on March 28, with RCB facing Sunrisers Hyderabad. As part of the tribute, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, under the guidance of former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, has decided to install a memorial inside the stadium. Additionally, 11 seats will be left vacant in memory of the deceased fans, and tickets for these seats will not be sold for any IPL or international matches in the future.

With these measures, the IPL will begin under an atmosphere of mourning and respect, ensuring that the memory of the fans who lost their lives is honored throughout the tournament.