“This has been an anti-climax” - BCCI opens up on stampede at RCB IPL title celebrations

At the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL title celebrations event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, at least 11 feared dead and 50 were injured following a stampede on Wednesday, June 4.

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Speaking about the unfortunate incident, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that it was a negative side of the popularity. He asserted that the officials should have taken proper precautions and security measures and offered his condolences to the families of the deceased.

"It is very unfortunate. This is a negative side of popularity. People are crazy for their cricketers. The organisers should have planned it better. My deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. I wish for early recovery of the injured," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was quoted as saying by PTI.

"When one organises a victory celebration of this magnitude, proper precautions, safety and security measures need to be taken. There have been some lapses somewhere. After such a glorious ending to the IPL, this has been an anti climax. There have been IPL celebrations in the past as well, like in Kolkata last year when KKR won but nothing happened there,” he added.

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Furthermore, Saikia also gave a few examples of the T20 World Cup 2024 victory celebrations that took place in Mumbai and talked about 120K fans entering the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the IPL 2025 final.

"Same was the case when we won the T20 World Cup. There was a sea of humanity in Mumbai but nothing happened. Police and local authorities worked in tandem to ensure smooth conduct. I hope nothing more untoward happens,” he stated.

"Even yesterday in Ahmedabad, during the IPL final, there were 120,000 people at the stadium but the BCCI has a dedicated team which has done elaborate planning in coordination with local district administration and law enforcing authorities to ensure that safety and security of the spectators," Saikia added. 

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This incident happened after the franchise landed in Bengaluru on Wednesday afternoon at HAL airport. Later, they reached Vidha Soudha before heading to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the tragedy took place.

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