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Bengaluru, June 10, KNT: Cricketing legend and former India head coach Rahul Dravid has spoken out on the tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL victory celebrations on June 4 near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The incident, which unfolded amid jubilant scenes following RCB’s historic maiden IPL title win, has shocked the cricketing world and drawn widespread criticism over crowd mismanagement.
Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Dravid — a native of Bengaluru and a respected icon of Karnataka cricket — offered heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families. “It’s very disappointing. It’s really sad. Bengaluru is a city that’s incredibly passionate about sports — not just cricket. It’s heartbreaking that such an unfortunate incident happened,” he said. “Our thoughts go out to everyone who lost their lives and those who were injured. Such a tragedy should not have happened.”
RCB had ended their 18-year-long title drought by defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final on June 3 in Ahmedabad. The franchise had planned a victory parade in Bengaluru on June 4 to celebrate the win with thousands of fans. However, chaos erupted when massive crowds surged at the event site, leading to a stampede that killed 11 and left dozens injured.
While the traged
🚨 New video from Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede
Terrifying visuals from Gate No. 19 during RCB victory celebration.👮♂️ DCP seen rescuing people stuck under crowd.
🪓 Staff used pipes & sticks to control the rush.
💥 Fans storm in n trample each other#BengaluruStampede #RCB pic.twitter.com/JazsqZIEBy— Gautam (@gautyou) June 6, 2025
y has triggered political blame games and raised serious questions about crowd control, Rahul Dravid remained measured in his response. He avoided making any accusations and declined to hold the state government, RCB management, or the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) responsible for the mishap. “I would not want to get into blaming any specific entity right now,” Dravid said.
Currently serving as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, Dravid’s statement comes amid mounting pressure on event organisers. An FIR has been registered against the RCB franchise, and several individuals from the event management company and franchise have reportedly been arrested as investigations continue.
The incident has also sparked public outrage over safety protocols at large-scale events, particularly in a city known for its vibrant sporting culture. For many, the stampede has turned a moment of long-awaited joy for RCB fans into a painful memory.
As the cricket community mourns, Dravid’s words echoed the sentiments of many: “This should never have happened — not in a city that has always celebrated sport with love and enthusiasm.”
