The euphoria of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL triumph quickly turned into heartbreak as a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and left dozens injured. What should have been a historic celebration for the city and its cricket fans became a national tragedy, sparking outrage and calls for accountability. Former India World Cup winner, known for his forthright views, emerged as one of the strongest critics of the event’s planning and aftermath—directly naming Virat Kohli and demanding justice for the victims’ families.

Where did the celebration go wrong from RCB’s triumph to Bengaluru’s tragedy?

RCB’s first-ever IPL title win on June 3 in Ahmedabad was supposed to mark the end of a long wait for the franchise and its fans. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) quickly organized a felicitation ceremony in Bengaluru, drawing an overwhelming crowd of over three lakh fans—far beyond the stadium’s 35,000 capacity. The anticipation to see stars like Kohli and Rajat patidar was palpable, but the event’s hasty organization and lack of adequate crowd control proved disastrous.

As the crowds swelled, the situation spiraled out of control. Police resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the masses, triggering panic and a deadly stampede. The aftermath was grim: 11 dead, dozens injured, and a city in mourning. Despite the chaos outside, celebrations continued briefly inside the stadium before being cut short. Videos and images of jubilant players contrasted starkly with the tragedy unfolding just beyond the gates, fueling public anger and disbelief.

Former India cricketer’s blistering critique over the mishandled situation

MADAN LALa member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning squad, minced no words in his condemnation. He questioned the urgency of holding such a massive event mere hours after the team’s return, calling it “completely avoidable” and a “big mistake” by both RCB’s management and the state authorities.

“You celebrated in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night. What was the rush for holding celebrations in Bengaluru?” he asked while talking to IANS, suggesting the event could have been safely organized two or three days later with better preparation.

Lal’s criticism extended beyond logistics. He highlighted the insensitivity of continuing celebrations inside the stadium while chaos and death unfolded outside, further stating he added, “People will not forget this—or Virat Kohli. While people were dying outside, there was a celebration inside. It’s truly shocking and disheartening”. He went so far as to urge the families of the deceased to consider legal action against RCB and the state government, demanding compensation and accountability.

The former cricketer also dismissed attempts to shift blame solely onto the authorities, insisting that both RCB and the government share responsibility for the tragedy. “The franchise owner made an error in judgment, he made a big mistake,” Lal asserted, emphasizing that human life must always take precedence over sporting glory.