BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia questions planning of RCB’s IPL victory parade

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Wednesday expressed concern over the tragic turn of events during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 title celebrations, stating that the festivities should have been `planned better`. His remarks came in the wake of a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed the lives of at least four fans and left several others injured, as reported by PTI.

7 dead. Many are battling for life after a stampede due to the irresponsibility of Congress govt.

No crowd control measures. No basic arrangements. Just chaos.

While innocent people died, @siddaramaiah & @DKShivakumar were busy shooting reels & hogging limelight with… pic.twitter.com/IVPuQjXxcq

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) June 4, 2025

The euphoric atmosphere in Bengaluru following RCB’s long-awaited IPL triumph quickly descended into chaos. What was meant to be a jubilant celebration marking the franchise’s maiden title in 18 years turned into a nightmare, as an overwhelming crowd, reportedly in the lakhs, gathered outside the stadium. Local authorities struggled to manage the massive turnout, resulting in a fatal stampede that has shocked the cricketing community.

#WATCH | Virat Kohli praises #RoyalChallengersBengaluru captain Rajat Patidar as RCB ended their 18-year-long wait and won their maiden IPL trophy yesterday after defeating Punjab Kings

“He will lead us for a long time,” says Virat Kohli

(Visuals from M Chinnaswamy Stadium in… pic.twitter.com/V1W8GrR5Qg

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025

“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 early recovery of the injured,” Saikia said.

#WATCH | Bengaluru | Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, “I have spoken to the Police Commissioner and everyone. I will also go to the hospital later. I do not want to disturb the doctors who are taking care of the patients. The exact number cannot be told now. We appeal to… pic.twitter.com/yo5cLfHYfX

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025

He emphasised the importance of meticulous preparation when organizing events of this magnitude, pointing out that safety and crowd control measures must be given top priority. “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.”

#WATCH | Karnataka police use mild force to manage the crowd outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru

A large number of #RoyalChallengersBengaluru fans have arrived here to catch a glimpse of their champion team. pic.twitter.com/rnBSTx8vEN

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025

Saikia drew comparisons with past public celebrations that were handled more efficiently, citing Mumbai’s crowd management following India’s T20 World Cup victory in Barbados as a model example.

“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. Even yesterday in Ahmedabad, during the IPL final, there were 120,000 people at the stadium but 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.

(With PTI inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day