'Every team has history and heritage: RCB's Mo Bobat on tragic stampede during IPL celebrations

RCB's Mo Bobat on tragic stampede during IPL celebrations

Mo Bobat, the director of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has spoken out regarding the terrible stampede that occurred during the team's victory celebrations at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Bobat said the franchise is dedicated to honoring the fans and their families, adding they will always be a part of the team's history.

Eleven people were killed in the unfortunate incident on June 4, a day after RCB's IPL 2025 victory. The franchise responded by offering Rs 10 lakh in financial assistance to each family impacted by the tragedy.

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Bobat discussed the tragedy that clouded the team's first IPL championship with Cricbuzz. “Cricket and the IPL is so much about passion and enjoyment, and one of our biggest motivators is our fans. We talked during the competition that we want to win it for our fans. They've been the patient ones. Some of us are new. These fans have waited 18 years, so we wanted to do it for them, and for some of them to have lost their lives just feels incredibly sad.

"We look forward to being able to recognise those people and their families. Their stories become a part of our history now. Every sports team has a history, and it has a heritage. What they've experienced becomes a part of our heritage and history, and we have to honour them,” noted Bobat.

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The previous edition of the tournament saw RCB win their first-ever IPL championship, which came after a long wait of 18 years. After suffering heartbreaking defeats in the final in 2009, 2011, and 2016, they triumphed over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final in Ahmedabad.

Virat Kohli played a massive role in the team's maiden glory. While he failed to lead the team to the elusive title as captain, Kohli - the batter - dished out a match-winning performance in the final, which RCB won by six runs. In a pitch, where others struggled, Kohli read the situation and stoked 43 off 35 balls.