What was meant to be a historic celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. After Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifted their maiden IPL trophy, chaos unfolded outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

A massive crowd gathered to celebrate with the team, but overcrowding led to a deadly stampede. Eleven people lost their lives, and over 33 fans were seriously injured.

The celebration quickly turned into mourning, and the team management, along with the Karnataka State Cricket Association, is now facing harsh criticism. So far, four people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Gavaskar’s Heartfelt Statement

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar addressed the tragedy in his column for Mid-Day, expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families. He also reflected on the emotional toll of RCB’s long wait for an IPL title, suggesting that the anticipation had grown overwhelming:

“If RCB had won the Trophy in the first few years, there would not have been this outpouring of emotion as happened after the long wait of 18 years. Other teams have won but their celebrations have been a lot less frenetic maybe because their fans didn’t have to wait this long.

The slogan ‘Ee saala cup naamde’ seemed to be like a millstone around the necks of the team. This year, when that slogan was barely heard, the team played some superb cricket, most of it away from their fans,"

“It was totally understandable for their joy to know no bounds and they wanted to show it to their heroes. Maybe even see them up close, maybe even touch them, maybe even get a quick photo with them. Haven’t we all been fans of someone before and perhaps still are and want to see them and have a brief hello and then perhaps a photo with them?” Gavaskar concluded.

RCB’s title celebration event at Chinnaswamy Stadium drew lakhs of fans. The crowd far exceeded expectations, and as fans surged to enter the stadium, a stampede broke out at the gates. What was supposed to be a moment of glory and celebration became one of the darkest days in IPL history.

RCB’s title celebration event at Chinnaswamy Stadium drew lakhs of fans. The crowd far exceeded expectations, and as fans surged to enter the stadium, a stampede broke out at the gates. What was supposed to be a moment of glory and celebration became one of the darkest days in IPL history.