RCB To Be Banned? June 4 Stampede Could Put IPL 2025 Winners in Trouble

With the Karnataka cabinet approving the findings of the Justice John Michael D'Cunha commission regarding the June 4 Stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, RCB might have no stadium to play in the next IPL as Chinnaswamy has been found unfit for hosting big events. 

The commission also found IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), event management company DNA Entertainment, and Bengaluru Police officers accountable, according to a report by Deccan Herald. 

The stampede occurred on June 4 when an event was organised to celebrate RCB’s maiden IPL victory, and people thronged the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, leading to a stampede to secure entry into the ground. 11 people lost their lives and 

The stampede, which occurred around 3.25 PM, claimed 11 lives and left more than 50 injured. According to the commission’s report, submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah last week, all key stakeholders went ahead with the felicitation event despite being aware that managing the crowd safely was not possible.

Before the team headed to the stadium, they were also facilitated at the Vidhan Soudha by the state government. The one-man commission called it “gross negligence and dereliction of duty” on the part of the above-mentioned parties that led to the stampede.

According to the report, “Only 79 police personnel had been deployed inside the stadium and none outside, despite the expected massive turnout. No ambulances were stationed at the venue, and senior officials reportedly responded too late. The Joint Commissioner of Police arrived nearly 30 minutes after the stampede, and the city Police Commissioner was informed two hours later.”