Virat Kohli Heartfelt Idea Leads To 11 Permanent Tribute Seats At Chinnaswamy

Add as a preferred source on Google

A touching tribute is set to become a permanent part of the legacy at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, as 11 seats will be permanently reserved in honour of fans who tragically lost their lives in last year's stampede.

The announcement was made by Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Venkatesh Prasad, who revealed that the idea behind the tribute came from none other than Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli Suggestion Inspires Permanent RCB Fan Memorial

According to Prasad, Kohli personally proposed the idea of reserving seats as a symbolic gesture to ensure the memory of the fans remains part of the stadium's identity.

"It was Virat's heartfelt suggestion to honor the fans we lost. We are proud to make it a reality," Prasad said while announcing the initiative.

The 11 seats will remain permanently reserved and marked as a tribute, ensuring that the fans who lost their lives are remembered every time matches are played at the iconic Bengaluru venue.

RCB makes meaningful ode to fans

The initiative has been widely viewed as a meaningful step in recognising the emotional connection between cricket and its supporters. The tribute comes at a time when the sport continues to emphasise fan safety and engagement across venues.

For Kohli, who has spent the majority of his IPL career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the gesture reflects his long-standing relationship with fans at the Chinnaswamy.

The tribute also follows broader fan-focused gestures ahead of IPL 2026, highlighting how franchises and associations are working to ensure that supporters remain at the heart of the game.

With the reserved seats now set to become a permanent fixture at the Chinnaswamy, the gesture stands as a powerful reminder that cricket, at its core, belongs to the fans.