IPL Chairman clarifies why RCB didn't stop the trophy celebration despite the stampede

An unfortunate stampede in Bengaluru that has reportedly cost 11 lives has marred the maiden IPL title victory of RCB. A wait of 18 years concluded for Royal Challengers Bengaluru when the team beat Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad to lift the IPL 2025 title. However, a day following their historic victory, the home of RCB, Bengaluru, has suffered a tragic fate. The team announced a trophy celebration for their first title win in the IPL. However, the event to celebrate swiftly turned dangerous as the team arrived at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium. A mob of thousands gathered around the venue, and an unfortunate stampede shaped up, escalating the situation dangerously enough for people to lose their lives in the uncontrolled mob.

IPL Chairman Arun Dhuman speaks on the continued trophy celebration of RCB at Chinnaswamy amid Bengaluru Stampede

The historic victory of RCB in IPL 2025 was definitely a feat to celebrate. However, the scale of the celebration was for the organisers to decide as per their capacity to control their excited fans. A victory parade was announced with a felicitation ceremony at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, the parade was shortly cancelled due to the scare of traffic congestion in the ever-busy Bengaluru lanes. Despite the cancellation of the parade, a large crowd gathered around Chinnaswamy to capture a glimpse of their winning heroes. 

A team, commanding a fan-following in millions, opted for a bus to go around Bengaluru and reach the Chinnaswamy with the trophy. Officials at the fore of the management got a sight of the mob waiting outside, as did the players. However, the team and the management still sat unaware of the rampage that shook the outers of Chinnaswamy. Believe it or not, but this is the clarification given by the IPL Chairman to justify RCB's celebration.

Despite the deadly stampede that took 11 innocent lives, the team continued with their celebration inside the stadium. Officials were busy taking photos with the winners and the trophies. Meanwhile, people fought for their lives outside with the police failing to control the massive turnout. The organisers and the team have faced massive scrutiny for their lack of empathy. In a situation that grew dangerous by the minute, the celebration should have been ceased promptly. However, RCB and the officials continued waving their trophies and singing the laurels of their maiden victory in 18 years.

Now, the IPL Chairman, Arun Dhumal, has come up with an explanation. The BCCI has already denied a role in organising the event leading to the Bengaluru stampede. Meanwhile, with the scrutiny growing for the organisers, Dhumal has informed that the insides of Chinnaswamy remained blissfully unaware of the situation outside. The chair talked about informing the organisers and directing them to wrap up the procession as soon as possible.

"We spoke to the management when we got to know about the situation and they assured that they will finish the ceremony quickly. This is definitely sad and tragic. RCB officials assured me that they will wind up the celebrations now," Dhumal said. 

"Officials inside weren't aware about what happened outside. They assured me they will wrap it up inside. It is very sad and tragic. Heartfelt condolences. We are not even aware whether someone has planned this event - how come such a huge crowd came to the stadium?" the IPL Chairman said. "How it has to be carried forward is up to the respective franchise. All officials from the state government were there - there would have been protocol in place," he further added.