Bengaluru: Amid growing public outrage over the continuation of Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) victory celebrations inside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, while a deadly stampede unfolded just outside its gates, Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Arun Dhumal has issued a statement clarifying the organizers’ position.
According to Dhumal, the people inside the stadium — including IPL officials and RCB's management — were unaware of the unfolding tragedy beyond the arena’s confines. “It is deeply unfortunate and heartbreaking,” Dhumal said, responding to media queries on Wednesday. “From what we have been informed, the event organizers inside had no idea about the chaos occurring outside.”
The tragedy claimed the lives of 11 people and left several others injured as thousands gathered for a public celebration of RCB’s IPL title win — their first in tournament history. As fans surged toward the stadium gates, overwhelmed by poor crowd control and unconfirmed rumors of celebrity appearances, panic turned to catastrophe.
Critics have condemned the IPL and RCB management for allowing the festivities to continue inside the stadium, despite the disaster unfolding outside. Videos from the event show music, lights, and celebrations in full swing while emergency services scrambled to respond beyond the arena.
In his statement, Dhumal also distanced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from the event. “All IPL-related activities concluded on Tuesday,” he noted, “and any events taking place afterward are independently organized by the franchises.” He further clarified that the BCCI had no role in planning or executing the RCB victory celebration.
Upon learning of the incident, Dhumal said IPL officials reached out to RCB management. “Once we were informed, we contacted the franchise immediately. They assured us that the program was being wound down swiftly. There was no intention to be insensitive; the news came late to those inside.”
The confusion surrounding the event's organization has only added to public anger. Dhumal admitted that the identity of those responsible for coordinating the celebration remains unclear, a point that has prompted calls for accountability and an investigation into the event’s planning and crowd management measures.
As condolences continue to pour in for the victims and their families, many are now demanding a review of how such large-scale public events are organized, especially when they involve high-profile sports teams and mass public gatherings. Authorities are expected to launch a formal probe into the stampede and evaluate whether necessary permissions and safety protocols were followed.