'Bengaluru' replaces 'Bangalore' as RCB announces change in team name

For the first time since its launch in 2008, the franchise has dropped the anglicised spelling of its home city.

From the 2024 IPL, the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise will be known as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise. This marks the first change in the franchise's name since its inception in 2008.

The announcement was made shortly after RCB held a function at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, attended by Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, recently crowned WPL champion Smriti Mandhana, and other members of the men's and women's teams.

During the event, RCB also introduced R Vinay Kumar, former Karnataka and India fast bowler, as the third inductee into their hall of fame. In the previous season, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle were the first to be named on the list.

RCB will leave for Chennai on Tuesday evening to prepare for their season-opener against defending champions Chennai Super Kings on 22 March. With five matches scheduled, they have the most of any team in the first leg of the tournament.

After the opening match, RCB will return to Bengaluru for matches against Punjab Kings (25 March), Kolkata Knight Riders (29 March) and Lucknow Super Giants (2 April). They will then travel to Jaipur for an away match against Rajasthan Royals (6 April).