Bengaluru: Nearly three months after the tragic stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title celebrations, batting superstar Virat Kohli has broken his silence, expressing grief for the victims and their families.
In an Instagram post attributed to Kohli, the former RCB captain said, “Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th. What should’ve been the happiest moment in our franchise’s history… turned into something tragic. I’ve been thinking of and praying for the families of those we lost… and for our fans who were injured. Your loss is part of our story now. Together, we will move forward with care, respect, and responsibility.”
The stampede occurred on June 4 when nearly 2.5 lakh fans gathered outside the stadium hoping to catch a glimpse of RCB players returning from Ahmedabad after winning their first-ever IPL title against Punjab Kings. The tragedy claimed 11 lives and left several others injured, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a historic celebration for the franchise.
RCB had faced severe criticism over the handling of the event, with reports suggesting the celebrations were advised against. Last month, the franchise announced its initiative ‘RCB Cares’, under which it is providing Rs 25 lakh each to the families of the 11 fans who lost their lives.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), RCB said, “Our hearts broke on June 4, 2025. We lost eleven members of the RCB family. They were part of us. Part of what makes our city, our community & our team unique. Their absence will echo in the memories of each one of us. No amount of support can ever fill the space they’ve left behind. But as a first step, and with the deepest respect, RCB has extended Rs 25 lakh each to their families—not just as financial aid, but as a promise of compassion, unity, and ongoing care.”
Kohli’s statement and the franchise’s actions mark a formal acknowledgment of the tragedy after months of silence, as the cricketing community continues to mourn the loss of lives in what should have been a moment of joy.
