TV
What should have been a night of jubilant celebration turned into a devastating tragedy for Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans. The city’s long-awaited moment of glory, RCB’s first-ever IPL title win, was marred by a horrific stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, claiming 11 lives and injuring over 50. As tributes poured in from across the cricketing world, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar shared a heartfelt and candid take on the sorrowful incident.
Gavaskar’s Emotional Response
Sunil Gavaskar, speaking with visible emotion, mourned the untimely loss of lives during the chaotic celebrations. He acknowledged the immense passion of RCB fans, who had waited 18 years for their team to lift the IPL trophy. “It’s heartbreaking,” he said. “These fans gave everything—love, prayers, support. And just when they got what they waited so long for, it turned into a nightmare.”
Gavaskar went on to highlight RCB’s exceptional away performance in IPL 2025. “They created history by winning every single away game this season. Their form was unbelievable. No wonder fans wanted to give them a homecoming like never before,” he said.
A Tragedy That Could Have Been Avoided?
In a striking remark, Gavaskar suggested that had RCB won an IPL title earlier in their journey, this tragedy may have been averted. “The desperation to celebrate this overdue moment led to uncontrolled emotions. Maybe if this had come earlier, things might’ve been more measured,” he observed.
Questions Raised Over Celebration Management
RCB and the event organizers have faced public and political backlash for holding large-scale celebrations just a day after the final. The short notice left police and security agencies with little time to prepare for the sea of fans that flooded the venue, culminating in a deadly crowd surge.
Also Read: Will Shreyas Iyer be appointed as Team India's white-ball captain?
Support for Victims' Families
In an effort to ease the pain of the bereaved families, RCB announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the kin of the 11 supporters who lost their lives. But for many, the gesture feels too little, too late.
The IPL 2025 triumph was meant to be a fairytale ending for RCB and their loyal fanbase. But the tragic events in Bengaluru serve as a somber reminder that even in celebration, safety cannot be overlooked. As the cricketing world mourns, Gavaskar’s words resonate deeply: “Prayers of fans can change fortunes—but sometimes, fortune arrives at a cruel cost.
