In the wake of the tragic stampede at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injuries to over 50, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the formation of a three-member committee to establish comprehensive guidelines for post-match and victory celebrations. The decision was made during the BCCI's 28th Apex Council Meeting on Saturday, June 14, 2025, reflecting the board's commitment to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The committee is headed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, and includes Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, and senior board official Rajeev Shukla. The newly formed committee has been tasked with formulating comprehensive guidelines within a strict deadline of 15 days. These guidelines are expected to cover a wide range of critical aspects, including crowd control measures, stadium capacity restrictions, robust emergency protocols, and enhanced coordination with local authorities. The goal is to create a framework that prioritizes the safety and well-being of fans during high-profile events.
The stampede occurred during a public celebration following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) triumph after an 18-year wait. An unexpected surge in the crowd at the stadium gates led to the tragic incident, raising serious questions about crowd management and event planning for such large-scale occasions. Initial reports suggest that a rumored distribution of free tickets exacerbated the situation, drawing an overwhelming number of fans to the stadium, far exceeding its official capacity of 35,000. Some reports estimated that over 200,000 people gathered at the venue.
The incident has prompted widespread criticism and investigations. The Karnataka Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the Karnataka Cricket Board Administrative Committee and RCB, among others. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and has pledged to provide free treatment for the injured.
Concerns have also been raised about the clarity of social media communication leading up to the event. Conflicting updates from RCB's social media accounts and local authorities reportedly contributed to the confusion among fans, with many believing a victory parade was confirmed despite denials from the Bengaluru City Police. This communication breakdown is being scrutinized as a contributing factor to the massive crowd تجمع and subsequent tragedy.
The BCCI's prompt action in forming this committee signals a serious commitment to learning from the Bengaluru tragedy. The new guidelines are expected to address critical gaps in event management and safety protocols, aiming to strike a balance between fan engagement and public safety.
