RCB fan urges Karnataka CM to declare June 3 a public holiday if team wins IPL 2025

The fan also urged the Chief Minister to facilitate statewide festivities, with government-supported public celebrations held across every district.

A devoted Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) supporter from Karnataka’s Belagavi district made headlines after penning a handwritten letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging the state government to declare June 3 a public holiday if the franchise lifts the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 trophy — ending its 18-year title drought.

The letter, written by a fan named Shivanand Mallannavar, quickly went viral on social media platforms, reflecting the passion and anticipation among RCB’s loyal supporters. Mallannavar appealed to the Chief Minister to officially designate the day as a state-wide celebration to honour the long-awaited triumph of the franchise and proposed it be commemorated annually as an "RCB Fans’ Festival".

"If RCB wins the IPL trophy this time, please declare June 3rd as a public holiday across Karnataka and celebrate it as ‘RCB Fans’ Festival’, just like we celebrate Karnataka Rajyotsava," the letter read.

The fan also urged the Chief Minister to facilitate statewide festivities, with government-supported public celebrations held across every district. "We request the government to make arrangements for celebrations in all districts of Karnataka, so that fans can come together and share this historic moment," he added.

An RCB fan from Gokak has written to CM @siddaramaiah with a bold request to declare the day RCB wins the IPL as "RCB Fans Festival Day" & make it a public holiday! Viral letter asks for statewide celebrations like Karnataka Rajyotsava. #RCB#IPLFinalspic.twitter.com/kYoOw95Dff

Sagay Raj P || May 30, 2025

RCB have enjoyed a stellar 2025 season, reigniting hope among fans who have long endured heartbreaks in the IPL. The Rajat Patidar-led side secured their place in the final after a commanding win against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 on Thursday,  May 27. RCB finished the league stage with nine wins in 14 matches, earning a top-two position and maintaining strong momentum going into the playoffs.

Despite having never won the IPL since the tournament’s inception in 2008, RCB have retained a loyal fan base, which has stood firmly behind the team through seasons of promise and disappointment. The emotional connection between the franchise and its followers was once again on full display during the rain-abandoned fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 17 at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Supporters turned up in thousands, clad in white No.18 shirts in tribute to Indian cricketing icon and former RCB captain Virat Kohli, who recently retired from Test cricket. The fans braved torrential rain to honour the legendary batter, chanting his name from the stands even as the game was called off without a ball being bowled.