• RCB’s long-awaited IPL victory sparked massive celebrations that quickly spiraled out of control due to poor crowd management.

  • The joy of the historic win was tragically overshadowed by a deadly stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and others mourn tragic stampede during RCB’s victory parade after IPL 2025 triumph
Virat Kohli and other celebrities react in utter disbelief and sorrow to RCB’s tragic victory parade after winning their maiden IPL title (Image source: X)

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After nearly two decades of heartbreak and hope, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Punjab Kings in a dramatic final that sent their fans into raptures. Virat Kohli, the face of RCB for 18 years, played a pivotal role, scoring a crucial 43 runs and leading his side to a hard-fought six-run victory in Ahmedabad. The long-awaited triumph sparked scenes of jubilation across Bengaluru, with lakhs of supporters pouring into the city’s heart to celebrate what was meant to be a historic, joyous occasion. But the euphoria quickly turned into confusion, chaos, and ultimately, tragedy.

RCB’s victory parade transforms euphoria into chaos

The city of Bengaluru was primed for celebration. The RCB squad, fresh from their historic win, was set to embark on a much-anticipated open-bus victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, followed by grand festivities. Social media buzzed with updates, and fans began gathering along the parade route hours in advance, swelling to an estimated 2-3 lakh people—far exceeding the stadium’s 35,000 capacity.

However, a series of conflicting announcements threw the event into disarray. Bengaluru Police, citing security concerns and the sheer scale of the turnout, announced the cancellation of the parade late in the morning. Yet, many fans, unaware or skeptical of the change, remained in place, hoping for a glimpse of their heroes. The RCB management later confirmed the parade would proceed, further fueling the confusion. The situation was exacerbated by the closure of nearby metro stations, making crowd dispersal nearly impossible.

A triumph overshadowed by tragedy with a stampede at Chinnaswamy

As the crowds surged towards the stadium, the mood shifted from celebration to desperation. With passes now mandatory for entry and thousands of ticketless fans pressing forward, the gates became choke points. Around 4 PM, as the mass of people pushed towards Gate 3, a stampede broke out—people fell, were trampled, and panic ensued. In a bid to regain control, police resorted to mild lathi-charge, but the damage was done.

The aftermath was grim: at least 11 people lost their lives, most of them young fans, and more than 30 were injured. The Chief Minister of Karnataka announced compensation for the victims’ families and ordered a magisterial inquiry, but the sense of disbelief and anger among fans was palpable. What began as a long-overdue celebration for RCB’s loyal supporters ended as a somber moment for the city, raising serious questions about crowd management and communication failures.

“No one had expected it, neither the cricket association nor the government,” said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reflecting the shock that gripped Bengaluru in the wake of the tragedy.

The events of June 4, 2025, will be remembered not just for RCB’s long-awaited IPL triumph, but for the heartbreak that followed—a stark reminder of how quickly joy can turn to sorrow when celebration meets chaos.

Also READ: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla breaks silence on Bengaluru stampede during RCB’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations

Here’s how celebrities reacted:

Also READ: From Virat Kohli to Shreyas Iyer: Team of the tournament for IPL 2025

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.