The Board of Control for Cricket in India has distanced itself from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations that resulted in the death of 11 persons and left 47 injured in a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Karnataka's Bengaluru.
"Once the IPL final is over and after the presentation, BCCI has no role to play on what the franchise and the team go and do on their home ground," BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told The Indian Express.
"(RCB) didn’t have to inform us or take our permission, and the BCCI doesn’t have to monitor them either," he said.
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal also denied having any prior knowledge of any victory parade or celebrations planned in Bengaluru. "We had no idea who organized it and how so many fans came there," he said.
Dhumal further claimed that the RCB management also had no idea what was happening outside as they were inside the stadium. "As soon as we got to know, we spoke to RCB officials, and they informed us that they were winding up the celebrations. I am sure the state government and local administration would also take note of this event," Dhumal said.
BCCI's Saikia also underlined the need for proper planning before organizing such events. "While organising this kind of event, they should properly coordinate with local law enforcement authorities so that nothing untoward happens," he said, according to IE.
The RCB began their day with the first official announcement at around 7 AM about a victory parade on RCB's social media handles. "RCB Victory Parade in Bengaluru. This one’s for you, 12th Man Army. For every cheer, every tear, every year. Loyalty is Royalty and today, the crown is yours. More details soon," an RCB post on X read.
At 3.14 PM, the handle posted more details about the victory parade and the celebrations that were to follow. "RCB Victory Parade: Today at 5 pm IST. Victory parade will be followed by celebrations at the Chinnaswamy stadium. We request all fans to follow guidelines set by police and other authorities, so that everyone can enjoy the roadshow peacefully. Free passes (limited entry) available on the website."
At 3.48 PM, Bengaluru City Traffic police posted an advisory about a felicitation programme in the evening with no mention of any parade. However, lakhs of fans converged at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and tried to get in, resulting in a stampede.
RCB later expressed anguish at the deaths and said they made necessary changes to their programme as soon as they received information about what was happening outside the stadium.
"The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our programme, and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration," the franchise said in a statement Wednesday evening.
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