New Delhi: What began as a historic celebration for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) following their maiden IPL title win turned into a tragedy, claiming 11 lives and injuring nearly 50 others. The massive crowd that gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to welcome the team after their 18-year wait for the trophy was caught in a stampede, raising serious concerns about crowd management and event planning.
In connection with the incident, Bengaluru police arrested four individuals, including Nikhil Sosale, a senior marketing official of RCB. Sosale was taken into custody early Thursday morning at Kempegowda International Airport while he was en route to Mumbai.
In response to the disaster, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has hinted at stepping in with stricter guidelines for victory celebrations. “At some stage, BCCI will have to do something. We cannot be a silent spectator,” said BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, speaking to Cricbuzz. “While the event was organized privately by RCB, we at the BCCI are ultimately responsible for the sport in India and must act to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir also weighed in, strongly opposing public roadshows as part of victory celebrations. “I think the lives of people are far more important… If we are not prepared, or if we cannot handle crowds in that way, then these roadshows should not take place,” Gambhir said, calling for safer, more controlled celebrations in enclosed venues.
India women’s team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her sorrow over the incident, posting a heartfelt message on Instagram:
“Heartbroken to hear about the lives lost in Bengaluru. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones. Please stay safe, everyone.”
As investigations continue and the cricketing world mourns the loss, the tragedy has sparked a wider debate on how large-scale sporting celebrations should be managed, with the BCCI expected to propose new safety protocols in the coming weeks.
