The tragic stampede that occurred on June 4, 2025, outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory celebrations, continues to reverberate, prompting heartfelt statements from players months after the event. The stampede, which claimed the lives of 11 people and injured dozens more, cast a dark shadow over what should have been a moment of joyous celebration for the franchise's maiden IPL title.
Virat Kohli, a prominent figure in the RCB team, recently broke his silence, expressing the profound sorrow and heartbreak he felt. In a statement released on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Kohli acknowledged the tragedy, stating, "Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th. What should've been the happiest moment in our franchise's history… turned into something tragic". He further extended his thoughts and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives and to the fans who were injured, emphasizing that their loss is now an integral part of the team's story and that the team would move forward with care, respect, and responsibility.
Following Kohli's statement, RCB players Jitesh Sharma and Krunal Pandya also shared their sentiments regarding the tragic incident. Both players conveyed their deep grief and offered condolences to the affected families. Jitesh Sharma expressed that they will never be able to move on from June 4th. He added that their care for each other goes beyond the cricket field, and they will continue to stay united with the fans and families affected and that they will forever be in their hearts. Krunal Pandya acknowledged the strength and belief of the RCB fans, stating that the fans are the heartbeat of the team. He lamented that a night of celebration turned into sorrow for some and assured every grieving family that they carry them in their thoughts and spirit, that they play for them, and stand with them, emphasizing that they will be part of the RCB family forever.
The stampede occurred when an estimated 2.5 to 3 lakh fans gathered outside the stadium to celebrate RCB's victory. The massive crowd, far exceeding the stadium's capacity, led to a fatal surge as fans rushed to catch a glimpse of Kohli and other RCB players. Investigations revealed that RCB had not obtained the necessary permissions to host such a large-scale gathering, and authorities cited poor crowd control measures and the unregulated nature of the event as contributing factors.
In response to the tragedy, RCB has taken several steps, including announcing a compensation package of ₹25 lakh (approximately $28,380.07) for each bereaved family. The franchise also launched the 'RCB Cares' initiative, committing to meaningful action and systematic improvements in fan safety and crowd management. This initiative includes measures such as establishing fan-safety audit frameworks, annual training for on-ground staff in crowd management and emergency response, and investing in independent research on public safety at sporting events.
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was declared structurally unsafe to host large-scale events after an investigation, leading to the relocation of Women's World Cup matches and other tournaments. While the stadium is set to host its first match after the incident with the K Thimmappiah Memorial Trophy, these matches will be played behind closed doors. The Karnataka government is also planning to construct a new stadium with a capacity of 60,000 spectators.
The tragic stampede and the subsequent responses from RCB and its players highlight the importance of prioritizing fan safety and responsible event management. As the team and its community move forward, the memory of those lost will undoubtedly serve as a reminder of the need for care, respect, and responsibility in all future endeavors.
