The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to address the critical issue of IPL victory celebrations following the tragic stampede in Bengaluru during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) post-title celebrations. The matter will be a key point of discussion in the upcoming Apex Council Meeting scheduled for June 14. This move comes in response to the unfortunate incident where 11 people lost their lives and over 50 were injured due to a stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB's victory parade on June 4.
The incident has prompted widespread concern over the safety and management of such large-scale public events. According to sources, the agenda for the Apex Council Meeting will include "Discussion regarding IPL victory celebration and the need of formulation of norms." The BCCI had earlier acknowledged the potential for better management of the celebrations but distanced itself from the organization of the event in Bengaluru. However, the gravity of the situation has compelled the board to take a more proactive stance.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed the board's concern, stating that the Bengaluru stampede "should have been planned better." He emphasized that while the BCCI has standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the conduct of the IPL tournament itself, it currently lacks control over how the winning franchises organize their celebrations. Saikia acknowledged that the tragedy serves as an "eye opener" for the BCCI, necessitating a review of post-tournament celebration protocols.
The proposed norms are expected to include guidelines for safety assessments, detailed planning requirements, and enhanced oversight of public events involving IPL franchises. This may involve closer coordination with local authorities to ensure adequate crowd management, infrastructure assessments, and police deployment. The BCCI aims to create a structured approach to celebrations, learning from past experiences and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The incident has also brought scrutiny on event management practices, with questions raised about poor planning, lack of advance coordination, and delayed communication. Specifically, the late announcement regarding the requirement of special passes for stadium entry contributed to confusion and overcrowding at entry points. The Central Crime Branch of the Bengaluru Police have arrested individuals associated with RCB and the event management company DNA Entertainment Private Limited.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Gautam Gambhir, India head coach, voiced strong opposition to open-road celebrations, emphasizing that human lives are paramount. He suggested closed-door events or celebrations within a stadium as safer alternatives. The sentiment reflects a growing consensus that safety should be the top priority when organizing victory parades and public gatherings.
The Apex Council Meeting will also address other important matters, including finalizing venues for the upcoming India-New Zealand series and reviewing the Age Verification Programme aimed at curbing age-fudging in junior cricket. Additionally, the council will discuss a complaint regarding the utilization of funds for cricket infrastructure development in Telangana districts. The BCCI Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials, the tournament allowance policy for BCCI employees, updates on the 2025–26 domestic season, and matters related to umpire and match referee coaches will also be on the agenda.
The formulation of standard guidelines for IPL victory celebrations signifies a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of cricket fans. The BCCI's initiative reflects a commitment to learning from the Bengaluru tragedy and implementing preventive measures to avoid future incidents. By establishing clear protocols and collaborating with franchises and local authorities, the board aims to strike a balance between celebrating sporting achievements and safeguarding the lives of those who support the game.
