BCCI lays down strict rules for victory celebrations

The horrific stampede in Bengaluru following the conclusion of IPL 2025 pushed the BCCI to set up strict rules for victory celebrations. A wait of 18 years concluded for Royal Challengers Bengaluru when the team beat Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad. The historic feat set the passionate RCB fans in a frenzy. The team returned home to Bengaluru immediately after the title victory, and the plans for a victory celebration were minted swiftly. However, with only hours of difference between the win and the celebration, the lack of preparation in the city turned the joy into despair. Almost a dozen people lost their lives in a stampede around Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the team celebrated their trophy victory.

BCCI drafts strict guidelines for victory celebrations following the Bengaluru stampede after RCB's IPL 2025 win

The incident in Bengaluru jolted the nation as RCB's historic victory turned into a shambolic failure of the system. The Bengaluru stampede was followed by different parties dodging the blame. The BCCI explained that the board doesn't play any role in the celebrations organised by a team following the conclusion of the season. The Karnataka government, meanwhile, evaded responsibility despite the CM being present at the felicitation ceremony before the team arrived at Chinnaswamy with the trophy.

RCB, meanwhile, announced monetary aid for the families of the victims affected in the stampede. Moreover, the franchise also set up a support fund for those affected. However, a few days later, Nikhil Sosale, the marketing and revenue head of RCB, was arrested with regard to the organization of the victory celebration at Chinnaswamy. While Sosale is now out and the inquiry continues to find where the system exactly faltered, BCCI has stepped in.

Noting the grave distress caused by the improper planning in Bengaluru, BCCI discussed the matter in its annual apex council meeting on 14 June. The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, announced the formation of a three-member committee to set up the guidelines for celebrations from here onwards. With the committee in action, a look at the guidelines laid by the board has emerged in the public view. Unlike the events before now, every team would be required to first seek the permission of the apex board to hold any such celebrations.

According to Saikia, the panel is set to enforce a rule requiring all winning teams to obtain necessary approvals from the respective state government, including clearance from the police, before proceeding with any celebrations, to ensure public safety remains paramount. Additionally, it is expected that these permissions will also need to be routed through the BCCI for final verification. Here's a look at the guidelines set by the board for future events.

• No team will be allowed to hold celebrations within 3-4 days of winning the title.
• Quick turnarounds will not be permitted to avoid rushed and poorly managed events.
• Teams must seek formal permission from BCCI before organising any celebration.
• No events can be held without prior written clearance from the board.
• Mandatory 4 to 5-tier security protocols.
• Multi-layered security presence will be essential at all venues and during transit.
• Security arrangements must cover team movement from airport to event venue.
• Ensuring full protection for players and staff throughout the event schedule.
• Permission must be obtained from district police, state government, and local authorities.
• All celebrations must be greenlit by civic and law enforcement bodies to proceed legally and safely.

Earlier, following the conclusion of the apex council meeting, the BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, reflected that what happened in Bengaluru was a private matter of RCB. However, the BCCI is responsible for the sport across the nation, and any such arrangements will necessarily go through the board for approval. The franchise fell under significant scrutiny following the stampede, with a certain section blaming the urgency shown by the team as one of the main reasons behind the unfortunate incident.