Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) thus won the IPL 2025 after an 18-year gap. They won the final match against Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad with 6 runs. But their celebration was marked with a stampede tragedy in Bengaluru.
Victory Rally of RCB Turns Tragic
The final match of the tournament occurred on June 3, 2025. The victory march, which had been scheduled for June 4, saw poor planning. It was accompanied by rainfall, which made things more difficult. Fans had gathered at Chinnaswamy Stadium. This led to a stampede. As a result, eleven people lost their lives, while more than fifty were injured.
Investigation and Legal Action
The Karnataka High Court took suo motu cognizance of the event. Based on an advisory from the court, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising CID police was formed by the state government. During the investigation, Nikhil Sosale, marketing head of RCB, was arrested. Three members of the staff of the event organizer firm, Vijayotsava, were also taken into custody. The event triggered heated discussion on social media sites.
Effect on Cricket in Bengaluru
- The stampede continues to influence cricket in Bengaluru. The issue of security has made holding games in Chinnaswamy Stadium doubtful. This came after the Karnataka Cricket Association (KSCA) organized a game between Delhi and Andhra in a game for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This game would take place in Chinnaswamy Stadium, but it couldn’t due to concerns over security. The game would be held in the Center of Excellence Ground 1, but it would be an empty stadium.
- Fans were unable to watch Delhi captain Virat Kohli perform live. There were limited telecasts for fans to watch the match from trees surrounding the stadium.
Consequences for Future Occurrences
The T20 World Cup of 2026, which will be held fromFebruary 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, will not feature any matches played in Bengaluru. The 2025 incidents have had a long-term effect on the city. Fans are hopeful that IPL matches may again be played in Chinnaswamy Stadium during 2026.
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