RCB stampede shows our cities aren't equipped for mass euphoria and celebration

The Print

9 hours ago

Virat Kohli's gritty 43 runs off 35 balls provided crucial stability, complemented by Krunal Pandya's match-winning 2 wickets for 17 runs. Despite Shashank Singh's valiant 61 runs off 30 balls, PBKS fell short, handing RCB a six-run victory and their long-awaited trophy.
RCB's six-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Ahmedabad was a cathartic moment. Virat Kohli, the face of the franchise since 2008, finally lifted the trophy after three previous final losses.
On 3 June 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru scripted history by winning their first Indian Premier League title after 18 agonising seasons. By 4 June, that joy had turned to grief: Eleven fans died and 56 were injured in a stampede outside Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium during victory celebrations. For a franchise previously synonymous with near-misses, this cruel twist of events has tainted their win.
'This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It's been 18 long years. I've given this team my youth, prime, and experience. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling,' Kohli said at a post-match interaction. The victory parade and festivities were meant to be a love letter to Bengaluru's loyal supporters, who had endured years of mockery and heartbreak.
But what began as a jubilant homecoming quickly spiralled into chaos. That's why RCB's bittersweet victory is the Newsmaker of the Week.
Also read: 'My brother was crazy about cricket, it took his life': Chinnaswamy stampede leaves families devastated
Celebration turned catastrophe
By Tuesday night, Bengaluru's skies were ablaze with fireworks, the city turning red in celebration.
The news of a concerted fan-team celebration for RCB's win broke on Tuesday night, following their final win against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad.
Kohli had hinted at the euphoria to come, telling RCB Bold Diaries, 'I think I'm going to feel the real side of it when we get to Bengaluru,' adding that they'd celebrate with the city and fans who've 'stood by us through thick and thin.
According to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah two to three lakh people had gathered outside Chinnaswamy Stadium. The stadium only has a capacity of 35,000.
'Despite police warnings that the victory parade had been cancelled, fans, including minors, clambered for a glimpse of their heroes, overwhelming barricades,' said the CM.
RCB had advised fans to 'follow police guidelines,' but the franchise, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and event managers DNA Entertainment face accusations of poor planning.
An FIR filed by Bengaluru Police accuses the three entities of culpable homicide, illegal assembly, and negligence. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suspended Police Commissioner B Dayananda and jurisdictional officers.
The Chief Minister stated that a preliminary inquiry had found several senior police officers prima facie negligent in discharging their duties.
RCB's first statement on Wednesday expressed 'deep anguish' and claimed they 'promptly amended the program' upon learning of the chaos. Critics argue the damage was already done. Industrialist Harsh Goenka tweeted, 'In India, the life of a common man isn't priceless—it's worthless. Cheaper than a cup of chai!'.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) called it the 'negative side of popularity'. Secretary Devajit Saikia said, 'Organisers should have planned better,' but stopped short of addressing systemic failures.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) described the incident as the 'negative side of popularity.'
'People are crazy for cricketers. The organisers should have planned it better,' BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said. However, he stopped short of addressing any systemic failures or accepting responsibility on behalf of the BCCI.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal also expressed his condolences, while distancing the board from the tragedy. 'It is sad and tragic…For the BCCI, the IPL concluded last night. We had no knowledge of such an incident occurring, so how can we be held responsible for it?' Dhumal told India Today.
Also read: Bengaluru stampede makes it clear—those managing IPL want the benefits without accountability
A legacy divided
For RCB, the win was years in the making, ending an 18-year wait that saw them lose three previous finals (2009, 2011, and 2016).
Franchise legends Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers were there to share in the win, lifting the trophy with the team.
Virat Kohli's loyalty, Krunal Pandya's clutch bowling, and Shashank Singh's late resistance will dominate highlight reels. Yet, the stampede casts a long shadow over the celebrations.
The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance, demanding answers on crowd management lapses. Families of victims seek accountability. Meanwhile, RCB's social media— flooded with celebratory posts—has two pinned posts addressing the tragedy.
Sporting victories often unite cities, but this tragedy underscores a harsh truth: India's infrastructure and event management remain ill-equipped for mass euphoria, and safety is an afterthought.
After an initial statement offering condolences on Wednesday, RCB announced that it will be providing financial support for the families of the deceased—Rs 10 lakh to each family. The team expressed their deepest condolences, stating that the incident has caused a lot of anguish and pain to the RCB family.
In addition, a fund called RCB Cares is being created to support fans injured in this tragic incident. 'Our fans will always remain at the heart of everything that we do. We remain united in grief.'
RCB's win should have been a celebration of perseverance. Instead, it's a grim reminder that no trophy is worth lives lost.
As India mourns, the authorities face uncomfortable questions: How many more tragedies will it take to prioritise fan and attendee safety?
For Kohli and RCB, the 'full circle' moment now feels painfully incomplete. The cup they waited 18 years to lift will forever bear the weight of what followed—a stark reminder that in India, even historic joy can be eclipsed by preventable grief and loss.
Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)