Following the tragic stampede at Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory celebration in Bengaluru, which resulted in 11 fatalities and numerous injuries, questions have arisen regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) responsibility. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has stated that the BCCI had "no control" over the event, as it was not organized by the board, and therefore cannot be held responsible. This stance raises complex issues about the extent of the BCCI's oversight and accountability concerning events associated with the IPL and its teams.
Dhumal clarified that the IPL season had officially concluded the night before with RCB's win, and the BCCI had no prior knowledge of the Bengaluru event. He questioned who organized the celebration and facilitated the team's presence. He also mentioned speaking with RCB officials who claimed to be unaware of the situation outside the stadium and acted swiftly to end the event upon learning of the tragedy. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia acknowledged "lapses" in the event's organization but reiterated that the BCCI had no direct role. He emphasized that the BCCI typically coordinates with local authorities and cricket associations for victory celebrations, citing the well-managed celebrations after India's T20 World Cup win as an example.
However, the BCCI's role cannot be dismissed entirely. As the governing body for cricket in India and the organizer of the IPL, the BCCI has a vested interest in ensuring the safety and well-being of fans who support the league and its teams. While the Bengaluru event may not have been directly organized by the BCCI, it was undeniably connected to the IPL and the euphoria surrounding RCB's victory. The board benefits from the popularity and success of the IPL, which is fueled by fan engagement and attendance. Therefore, it can be argued that the BCCI has a moral, if not legal, obligation to promote safe practices at events celebrating IPL victories.
One potential area of responsibility for the BCCI lies in establishing comprehensive guidelines and protocols for post-IPL celebrations. While the board may not directly organize every event, it can mandate that teams adhere to specific safety standards and coordinate with local authorities to ensure adequate crowd management measures are in place. These guidelines could include requirements for risk assessments, crowd control plans, security personnel deployment, and emergency response protocols. The BCCI could also offer support and resources to help teams organize celebrations safely and effectively.
The tragedy in Bengaluru highlights the critical importance of crowd management at large-scale events in India. Factors such as overwhelming population density, inadequate infrastructure, and lapses in planning and coordination can contribute to dangerous situations. To prevent future incidents, authorities and event organizers must invest in infrastructure improvements, enhance planning and coordination, and enforce crowd limits when necessary. It is also essential to conduct regular drills and training programs for personnel responsible for crowd control and to ensure clear communication among different agencies. Technology can also play a crucial role, with AI-driven crowd analytics, real-time monitoring systems, and mobile apps for disseminating information and emergency alerts.
The debate over the BCCI's responsibility in the Bengaluru stampede underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to fan safety at IPL-related events. While the board may not be directly liable for the tragedy, it has a significant role to play in establishing and enforcing safety standards, providing support to teams, and promoting a culture of safety and accountability. By taking proactive measures, the BCCI can help ensure that future IPL celebrations are safe, enjoyable experiences for all fans.
