Virat Kohli expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede that occurred outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 victory celebration on June 4. The incident, which took place while thousands of fans gathered to witness the historic moment, led to the deaths of 11 people and left 47 others injured.
Kohli, who led the team’s lap of honour inside the stadium, shared Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s official statement on Instagram along with a personal message, saying he was “lost for words” and “gutted” by the loss. He extended heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families.
The stampede was triggered when a temporary slab placed over a drain collapsed under the pressure of the massive crowd gathered outside the stadium. Panic ensued, resulting in a rush and deadly chaos. The event, which was meant to be a celebratory gathering, had drawn over two lakh supporters—far beyond the stadium’s 35,000-seat capacity. Despite entry being pass-controlled, the crowd outside had grown uncontrollably.
Upon learning of the stampede, the RCB management cut the celebration short, limiting it to just 20 minutes and following the guidance of local authorities. The team had earlier been felicitated at the Vidhana Soudha by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also joined the stadium event later in the evening.
Virat Kohli addressed the emotional crowd inside the stadium, saying:
“It’s no longer ‘Ee Saala Cup Namde’—it’s ‘Ee Saala Cup Namdu’. We’ve done it. This win isn’t just for the players—it’s for the fans, for the people of this incredible city… I’ve never seen a fanbase like this anywhere else in the world.”
However, serious questions are being raised about the crowd management and safety measures in place. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), facing criticism for poor planning, announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh to each of the families of those who lost their lives.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that the Board of Control for Cricket in India was not responsible for organizing the public event, but acknowledged there were major lapses. Many are now demanding an investigation into how permissions were granted and what safety protocols, if any, were enforced.
What was supposed to be a moment of pure joy for the city and its fans has been overshadowed by this heartbreaking tragedy.
