New Delhi: In the wake of the tragic stampede that marred Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 title celebrations—leaving 11 people dead and over 50 injured—the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced stringent new safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that a formal investigation is underway and stated that the board has now introduced a mandatory 10-point guideline that all IPL teams must follow when planning post-tournament celebrations. The measures are aimed at improving security, ensuring crowd control, and regulating how and when such events take place.
Under the new rules, no team will be allowed to hold public celebrations within three to four days of winning the IPL title, and rushed, poorly managed events will be strictly prohibited. All celebrations must receive prior written approval from the BCCI, and formal permission is required before any public announcement. A multi-tiered security arrangement—ranging from four to five levels of checks—must be in place for all celebration venues and during team transit. Teams are also required to coordinate with district police, state government authorities, and civic bodies to ensure legal compliance and crowd safety.
The decision comes after the BCCI formed a three-member committee to draft event safety protocols. Saikia stated, “It may have been a private affair of RCB, but we at the BCCI are responsible for cricket in India and must ensure such tragedies never recur.” The guidelines also require that security arrangements cover team movements from the airport to the event venue, and that players and staff be fully protected throughout the event schedule.
Reacting to the incident, Indian men’s team head coach Gautam Gambhir strongly criticized open roadshows. “Winning is important, celebrations are important, but nothing is more valuable than a human life. If we cannot ensure full control, then such events should be held behind closed doors or inside stadiums,” Gambhir said. He reiterated that even during his playing days, he never supported public roadshows and continues to believe that fan engagement must never come at the cost of public safety.
The BCCI’s swift action underscores the growing need for accountability and structured planning as the IPL continues to grow in popularity. These new measures are expected to bring more discipline and foresight into organizing celebratory events, ensuring they remain joyous occasions without compromising public security.
