New Delhi, March 26 -- The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided against holding the Indian Premier League (IPL) opening ceremony at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on 28 March.

The decision comes ahead of the tournament opener between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

According to The Times of India report, the BCCI's decision to scrap the opening ceremony was taken as a mark of respect for the 11 lives lost during the Chinnaswamy stampede on 4 June last year.

"Due to last year's tragic incident on 4 June last year, 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 ...