The streets outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium were painted red on June 4, not with flags or face paint, but with chaos, sorrow and disbelief. What began as a moment of pure celebration for lakhs of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans quickly turned into one of the darkest days in the city's sporting history.
The team had planned a grand victory parade after they lifted their maiden IPL title. Instead, a stampede broke outside the stadium gates. According to reports, there were no clear barricades or entry management in place. This led to the stampede.
In the end, at least 11 people died. Several others were seriously injured. The city that had waited 17 years for this celebration was left mourning. The cricketing world responded with shock, sadness and calls for accountability. Tributes and heartfelt messages poured in from some of the game’s biggest names.
Also read: RCB issues an official statement after stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium kills fans
"At a Loss for Words" - Virat Kohli, Legends Mourn Bengaluru Stampede Victims
RCB’s biggest icon, Virat Kohli, summed up the mood in a short, heartbreaking post on Instagram.
"At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted."
Anil Kumble mourned the loss and posted on Instagram.
"It’s a sad day for cricket! My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives while celebrating RCB’s victory today. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. Tragic!!"
Sachin Tendulkar shared his sorrow on X and wrote:
"What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all."
Irfan Pathan called the incident deeply heartbreaking.
"Fans are the heart of cricket and of our lives. The tragic loss of lives in today’s stampede in Bengaluru is deeply heartbreaking. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families affected by this unimaginable tragedy."
RCB and South African legend AB de Villiers also shared his thoughts on the tragedy.
"My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragic events at the Chinnaswamy stadium today."
India women’s team star batter Smriti Mandhana expressed her emotions via an Instagram story.
"Heartbroken to hear about the lives lost in Bengaluru. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones. Please stay safe everyone."
Post-IPL Celebrations Under Review as BCCI Plans Preventive Measures
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia talked about the need for proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future. He stated,
"This is eye-opener and we have to think about what we should do in such situations. There will be a winner every year and there will be a celebration in their home city. So we have to learn a lesson so it doesn’t happen in the future."
Also read: After Chinnaswamy Chaos, BCCI Planning to Rethink Post-IPL Celebrations
