RCB’s IPL Triumph Marred by Tragedy: A Community in Mourning

What was meant to be a historic celebration for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after clinching their first IPL title turned into a somber event as a stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025, resulted in the loss of 11 lives and left over 50 injured.

The incident occurred when an overwhelming crowd, estimated between 200,000 to 300,000 people, gathered to partake in the victory parade. A rumor about free passes being distributed at Gate 7 led to a sudden surge, causing chaos and a deadly stampede.

In response, RCB has pledged full cooperation with legal proceedings following the registration of an FIR against the franchise. The team expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy and announced a financial aid of ₹10 lakh for each of the deceased’s families, along with the establishment of the “RCB Cares” fund to support the injured.

RCB’s captain, Virat Kohli, conveyed his devastation, stating he was “absolutely gutted” by the events. The incident has sparked widespread discussions on the importance of crowd management and the responsibilities of organizers in ensuring public safety during large-scale events.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the victims and implementing measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.