The aftermath of Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) maiden IPL victory in 2025 has been marred by tragedy, with the chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) stating that officials inside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru were unaware of the events unfolding outside during the victory celebrations. The joyous occasion turned sour as stampedes claimed the lives of eleven people and injured several others near the stadium and the Vidhana Soudha premises.

IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal addressed the unfortunate situation, conveying his condolences and highlighting the disconnect between the celebrations inside the stadium and the distressing events occurring outside. Dhumal questioned the necessity of the Bengaluru event, given that celebrations had already taken place in Ahmedabad, where RCB secured their victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final match. He also raised concerns about the massive crowd that gathered at the stadium, leading to the stampedes.

Dhumal pointed out that state government officials were present at the Bengaluru event, implying that established protocols for crowd management should have been followed. He stated that as far as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL were concerned, the festivities had concluded on Tuesday night in Ahmedabad, leaving the continuation of celebrations to the discretion of the RCB franchise.

Upon learning of the stampedes, Dhumal said he contacted the RCB management, who assured him that they would promptly conclude the ceremony. He reiterated that officials inside the stadium were oblivious to the tragedy unfolding outside and expressed his deep sorrow over the incident.

The tragic events have raised serious questions about the planning and execution of the celebratory event, particularly concerning crowd control measures. Reports indicate that overcrowding and inadequate management contributed to the stampedes. Some reports suggest a temporary slab collapsed under the weight of the crowd, further fueling the panic.

The incident has triggered a wave of criticism, with some, like BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya, blaming the state government for a "lack of basic administrative foresight and failure in crowd control." Malviya asserted that the tragedy could have been avoided and called for accountability, stating that lives were lost due to negligence, not chance.

In light of the tragedy, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) suspended services at Cubbon Park and Dr BR Ambedkar Vidhana Soudha metro stations to manage the crowds. The police have also faced scrutiny, with some videos circulating on social media showing officers using force to control the celebrating fans, drawing criticism for excessive measures.

The events surrounding RCB's IPL victory serve as a stark reminder of the importance of meticulous planning and robust crowd management protocols, especially during large public gatherings. While the team's victory was a historic moment for the franchise and its fans, the tragedy that unfolded outside the stadium underscores the need for greater vigilance and accountability in ensuring public safety during celebratory events.