The terrible stampede that claimed the lives of 11 people outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the festivities following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's first IPL championship victory saddened batting great Sunil Gavaskar. The mismanagement caused a terrible tragedy when 11 people died and more than 50 others were hurt in a stampede close to the stadium on Wednesday, when a huge crowd of people had gathered to celebrate the team's victory.

The tragedy made Gavaskar very sad, and he also recognized the intense feelings of RCB supporters, who had been waiting 18 long years to commemorate their team's first IPL championship. The legendary hitter, who worked as a commentator for the IPL, praised RCB for their outstanding performance throughout the season, which culminated in their first championship.

"If RCB had won the Trophy in the first few years, there would not have been this outburst of emotion as happened after the long wait of 18 years. Other teams have won, but their festivities may have been less frenetic because their supporters didn't have to wait this long. The team appeared to be burdened by the phrase "Ee saala cup naamde." In his column for Mid Day, Gavaskar said, "The team played some excellent cricket this year, the majority of which was away from their supporters, at a time when that slogan was seldom heard."

The legendary batter emphasized RCB's outstanding performance in away games during IPL 2025, pointing out that fans had gathered to give the team a special ovation for their efforts. He also expressed genuine sympathy to those who had lost loved ones in the tragic event.

They established a new IPL record by winning every match they played away. The cheers from the crowd at home were understandable. Sincere sympathies to those who have lost a loved one. There is little question that the prayers of their loved ones helped bring that elusive Cup to Bengaluru, and the prayers of the fans can alter fortunes.

Gavaskar ponders tragic occurrence

Gavaskar pondered the devastating catastrophe, but he also emphasized the great passion RCB supporters have for their team, which has given them so much happiness over the previous two months and ultimately ended their long wait for an IPL trophy.

“What a tragedy? The lives lost in a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium are really heartbreaking. Those folks just wanted to see the players who had brought them so much joy and happiness over the years, especially in the last two months. After 18 years of hoping for it, they were finally getting the IPL Trophy, which they had wished for every year but had never received, he said.

The administration and police had little time to implement adequate security arrangements for such a large-scale event because RCB went ahead with the victory celebrations only a day after winning the championship, which drew severe criticism. The newly-crowned winners pledged financial support of Rs 10 lakh for each of the 11 supporters' families who perished in the terrible stampede.

"Their joy knew no bounds, and they wanted to express it to their heroes. It was fully understandable. Perhaps even have a close look at them, maybe even touch them, maybe even snap a quick picture with them. Everyone has at least been a fan of someone in the past, and maybe they still are, and they want to meet them, say a quick hello, and maybe take a picture with them, right? Gavaskar said in conclusion.

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