The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to implement mandatory official permissions for victory parades following the tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL title celebration on June 4th, 2025, which resulted in 11 fatalities and numerous injuries. This decision marks a significant shift in the board's approach to post-IPL celebrations, prioritizing public safety and accountability.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and is taking every aspect of risk very seriously to avoid any future mishaps. Formalized guidelines will now be mandatory for all teams wishing to celebrate publicly after the IPL.

The new guidelines proposed by the BCCI include several key measures:

• Mandatory BCCI Permission: Teams must seek formal permission from the BCCI before organizing any celebration. No events can be held without prior written clearance from the board.
• Security Protocols: A mandatory 4 to 5-tier security protocol will be implemented. This includes a multi-layered security presence at all venues and during transit. Security arrangements must cover team movement from the airport to the event venue, ensuring full protection for players and staff throughout the event schedule.
• Government and Police Clearances: Permission must be obtained from the district police, state government, and local authorities. All celebrations must be greenlit by civic and law enforcement bodies to proceed legally and safely.
• Time Gap for Celebrations: Celebrations will not be allowed within 3-4 days of winning the title to avoid rushed and poorly managed events.

The decision to enforce these strict rules comes after the tragic incident in Bengaluru, where a stampede occurred outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB's victory celebrations. The event, which was hastily organized a day after the final, drew an estimated two lakh fans despite the stadium's limited capacity. A parade from Vidhana Soudha was eventually canceled, but fans had already flooded the area, leading to chaos. The event went ahead despite warnings from traffic police and without formal permission, drawing criticism towards RCB, their event partners, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association.

The Karnataka government has also held the BCCI accountable, arguing that the cricket board had an agreement with RCB to handle key responsibilities such as security, gate, and ticket management.

In response to the tragedy, the BCCI has formed a three-member committee to draft and implement safety protocols for future celebrations. The committee, headed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, includes vice-president Rajeev Shukla and treasurer Prabhtej Bhatia. The committee was tasked with drafting the norms within 15 days of the Apex Council meeting on June 14th.

The new guidelines are expected to address issues such as holding team parades from the airport and ensuring foolproof protocols are in place. The final document will be sent to all franchises.

The BCCI's move to enforce stricter guidelines for victory parades is a welcome step towards ensuring public safety and preventing future tragedies. By making official permissions mandatory and implementing comprehensive safety protocols, the board aims to create a safer environment for fans to celebrate their favorite teams' victories.