Just days away from the IPL 2026 season which kicks off in just 2 days, the readiness of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is reportedly in question, which will host the opening encounter between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad this Saturday. A report by ESPNcricinfo stated the M Chinnaswamy Stadium resembles a "construction site," with playing field ready but several other parts of the stadium being constructed by masons, carpenters, contractors, and suppliers working around the clock. Stacked up at the entrance of the stadium are sheets of plywood. The tickets for the opening fixture are all sold out, however, with the immense enthusiasm of fans, with only a couple of days left, the pressure is mounting on the workers to complete the task as one of the worker was quoted saying "We haven't slept for four days." This delay is due to a major upgrade being undertaken by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to ensure no such tragedy, where 11 lives were lost during a stampede on June 4, last year, occurs again by strengthening spectator areas and improving exit routes at the ground, which pushed the March 15 deadline for completion. Also Read | RCB Suffer Major Blow as Sri Lankan Pacer Ruled Out of IPL 2026 No Opening Ceremony As BCCI Pays Tribute In a major announcement, it has been revealed that there will be no opening ceremony this year for IPL 2026 in memory of the 11 people who died during the stampede on June 4 last year, following a decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This means that the inaugural match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad will not feature any kind of opening festivities, with the Board instead opting for an entertainment function to mark the conclusion of the tournament, when the final is played on May 31. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Times Of India: "Due to last year's tragic incident on June 4 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 the start of IPL-19 as a mark of respect to the departed souls due to the tragedy on June 4, 2025. However, the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council are planning a grand entertainment function at the closing of the IPL, on the day of the final (May 31)." However, it is possible that there may be an entertainment function to celebrate the end of the tournament and in its honour, when the final match is played on May 31. Fans will now have to focus on the games themselves, as the IPL returns to Bengaluru under such somber circumstances.