Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is grappling with a tragedy that has overshadowed their maiden IPL title win. On June 4, a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium resulted in the loss of eleven lives and injuries to over fifty others, transforming what should have been a day of celebration into a period of mourning.
Mo Bobat, RCB’s Director of Cricket, has emphasized the importance of enshrining the victims’ memories as a permanent part of the team’s legacy. He expressed profound sadness over the loss of life and underscored the significance of honoring the fans, whose unwavering support has been integral to the team’s journey.
The stampede occurred when a crowd exceeding the stadium’s capacity gathered for a victory parade. The ensuing chaos, compounded by inadequate crowd control measures and collapsing barriers, led to the devastating event. In response, RCB initiated a compensation package of Rs 10 lakh for each victim’s family and established the “RCB Cares” fund to provide further financial and medical support to the injured.
An official inquiry, led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha, delivered a critical report, deeming the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium unsafe for large-scale events. The report cited deficiencies in entry/exit points, a lack of emergency preparedness, and poor crowd management as contributing factors. The report also held RCB, its event partners, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) accountable for the mismanagement and recommended disciplinary actions against implicated officials.
As a direct consequence, the Chinnaswamy Stadium has been removed as a venue for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The semi-final and potentially the final matches will now be relocated to the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The tragic incident serves as a solemn reminder that the team’s success must never come at the cost of human lives. Bobat insists that honoring the victims is no longer a gesture, but a fundamental responsibility.