The celebrations following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) long-awaited IPL 2025 victory took a tragic turn as a stampede near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru claimed the lives of 11 people and left over 30 injured on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The incident occurred as massive crowds gathered to celebrate the team's homecoming after their final win against Punjab Kings, marking their first-ever IPL title after 18 years.
The Karnataka State Cricket Academy (KSCA) organized a special felicitation ceremony to honor the RCB players. The team, including head coach Andy Flower and team mentor Dinesh Karthik, met with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah before boarding an open-top bus for a victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to the stadium. However, the overwhelming number of fans made crowd control difficult, leading to a chaotic stampede.
The tragedy prompted immediate reactions from the cricket fraternity, with many expressing their grief and condolences. Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar voiced his sorrow, describing the incident as "beyond tragic." In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tendulkar wrote, "What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all."
Other cricketers also shared their condolences. Anil Kumble said, "It's a sad day for cricket! My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives while celebrating RCB's victory today. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. Tragic!!" Harbhajan Singh expressed his heartbreak, stating, “Heartbreaking news of a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and injuries to several cricket fans, has cast a dark shadow over the spirit of the game that unites millions across our nation. My deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate event. I stand in solidarity with them during this incredibly difficult time and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured.” Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh said, "What was meant to be a moment of celebration turned into an unimaginable tragedy. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the incident in #Bengaluru. May the families find strength and the departed souls rest in peace."
RCB issued a statement expressing their anguish and amending their celebration program in light of the incident. "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,” the statement read. The team urged its supporters to stay safe.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also mourned the tragic event. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated that the board would provide any necessary assistance. "It's very unfortunate, all my sympathies to those people who have died and been injured in this thing. Whatever help is required, we will do," he said. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia added that the organizers should have planned RCB's IPL-winning celebrations better.
Authorities have launched a magisterial inquiry into the stampede. The injured are receiving treatment at Vydehi hospital and Bowering hospital, and compensation has been announced for the victims. The incident has raised concerns about crowd management during large public events, prompting calls for better planning and safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
