RCB mourns loss of lives in Chinnaswamy stampede: 'We urge our supporters to please stay safe'

RCB mourns loss of lives in Chinnaswamy stampede

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) expressed "heartfelt condolences" after 11 people lost their lives in a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Lakhs of supporters had assembled the area to celebrate the franchise's maiden triumph in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, mismanagement led to chaos as several people were left injured and 11 lost their lives.

"We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team's arrival this afternoon. 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," RCB said in a statement.

"Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe," the statement added.

We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the teams arrival this pic.twitter.com/C0RsCUzKtQ
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 4, 2025

Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia called the incident "unfortunate", stating that RCB's IPL-winning celebrations should have been planned better. "It is very unfortunate. This is a negative side of popularity. People are crazy for their cricketers. The organisers should have planned it better. My deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. I wish early recovery of the injured," Saikia told PTI.

"When one organises a victory celebration of this magnitude, proper precautions, safety and security measures need to be taken. There have been some lapses somewhere. After such a glorious ending to the IPL, this has been an anti climax. There have been IPL celebrations in the past as well, like in Kolkata last year when KKR won but nothing happened there."

Fans had swamped the streets in Bengaluru, as crowd swelled outside the Vidhana Soudha, where players were presented with memento and honoured with Mysore Peta by chief minister Siddaramaiah. The players then left for the Chinnaswamy Stadium on the team bus amid huge fanfare. Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar addressed the crowd at the venue as the stadium was filled with fans, who joined the celebration.