After Bengaluru stampede, BCCI to take call on how future victory celebrations will be held

By | June 5, 2025
Bengaluru cricket stadium during BCCI victory celebrations
Bengaluru cricket stadium during BCCI victory celebrations

On June 4, 2025, thousands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans gathered outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate the team’s first IPL title. The joyous occasion ended in tragedy when a stampede killed at least 11 people and injured over 50. The incident forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to rethink how future IPL victory celebrations are organized.

What Happened?

RCB and local authorities planned the celebrations, including issuing free passes to control the crowd. Despite these efforts, the turnout overwhelmed the organizers. Many fans rushed toward a single entrance, causing a dangerous crush. Security personnel struggled to manage the surge, and panic spread through the crowd.

The planned open-top bus parade from Vidhana Soudha to the stadium was canceled as safety concerns mounted. The chaotic scene left many injured and grieving families mourning their loved ones.

BCCI’s Response

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed deep sorrow over the loss. He admitted that planning and crowd management had fallen short. Though the BCCI does not directly organize franchise celebrations, it will now enforce clearer guidelines for future events.

Saikia stressed the need for better coordination between franchises, police, and emergency services. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed the BCCI was unaware of the scale of the event before it happened. Once informed, the Board contacted RCB officials and urged them to end the celebrations quickly.

Challenges in Managing Large Celebrations

Managing such massive crowds presents many difficulties:

  • Crowd size often exceeds predictions during big wins.
  • Stadiums and surroundings sometimes lack enough wide entry and exit points.
  • Communication between organizers and authorities can break down.
  • Fans’ excitement may lead them to ignore safety rules.
  • Trained staff and medical support may not always meet demand.

Learning from Past Events

India has faced crowd disasters before, like the 2017 Kolkata football stampede. These incidents show the urgent need for better safety plans.

Worldwide, sports bodies now use crowd simulations, strict ticket controls, and surveillance technology. These tools help organizers prepare and react before crowds become dangerous.

The Bengaluru tragedy has increased pressure on the IPL and BCCI to adopt these measures.

BCCI’s Plans for Safer Celebrations

The BCCI is working with IPL teams and local authorities to create strong safety protocols. These plans include:

  • Clear Guidelines: Setting limits on crowd size and requiring safety checks.
  • Early Approvals: Franchises must submit detailed plans in advance.
  • Improved Coordination: Better teamwork between franchises, police, and medical teams.
  • Multiple Access Points: Choosing venues with several wide entrances and exits.
  • Ticket Controls: Strict verification to avoid overcrowding.
  • Fan Education: Informing fans about safety rules.
  • Use of Technology: Real-time monitoring of crowds using cameras and software.
  • Emergency Plans: Ready evacuation and medical response strategies.

Shared Responsibility

The BCCI will lead safety efforts but franchises and local governments share responsibility. Teams must prioritize safety over spectacle. Authorities must ensure adequate security and emergency services.

Moving Forward with Caution

The Bengaluru stampede reminds us how quickly celebrations can turn tragic. The cricket community mourns the victims and stands with their families.

As IPL grows, safer celebrations must become the norm. With clearer rules and better planning, fans can celebrate victories without fear.