'BCCI had no knowledge': IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal blames RCB for deadly stampede
Published - 05 Jun 2025, 11:54 AM | Updated - 05 Jun 2025, 11:36 PM
IPL chairman, Arun Dhumal, made a strong statement on the stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The celebration of RCB’s maiden IPL trophy turned into a tragic incident in Bengaluru, leaving 11 people dead and over 30 people injured while celebrating their franchise victory.
The BCCI stated that they have no role in the RCB’s winning celebration in the streets. The IPL chairman, Arun Dhumal, expressed his deep condolences and clarified that BCCI had no accountability in the incident because they were unaware of the post-victory celebration.
IPL chairman confirms BCCI's no involvement in stampede
The IPL chairman, Arun Dhumal, confirmed that BCCI had no knowledge about the victory parade or any other post-IPL celebration. The IPL concluded on June 3, and the celebration took place just after the night.
“It is sad and tragic. The celebrations turned into a tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families who lost their loved ones. For the BCCI, the IPL concluded last night. We had no knowledge of such an incident occurring, so how can we be held responsible for it?” Arun Dhumal told India Today.
Arun Dhumal also pointed out the lack of presence of IPL officials during the celebrations. BCCI is not accountable for the incident, as they have no control over the event, and also didn’t have the specific knowledge of the post celebration.
IPL officials were also not present at any gate of the stadium, the arrangements were done by the state government and the RCB management.
“How can we be held responsible for something like this? It is indeed a very tragic incident, and we extend our deepest condolences. But we cannot be held accountable for something over which we had no control. I am not certain if the stampede occurred directly outside the stadium—I have no specific knowledge of that. Have you seen any IPL officials present at the gate, managing the crowd or facilitating the players' entry?” Dhumal asked.
Arun Dhumal contacts RCB management
After the incident, Dhumal contacted RCB management and told them to wrap up the event. In response, RCB officials stated they did not know about what was happening outside.
"Have I been in touch with RCB officials? Yes, as soon as I was informed about the incident, I spoke to them. They told me they were inside the stadium and had no knowledge of what was happening outside. Based on that conversation, I was told they immediately called off the event," Dhumal added.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also responded to the incident, and he stated there were lapses in the arrangements, and BCCI has no role in it.
Virat Kohli’s reaction to the stampede
Virat Kohli and the RCB management expressed their condolence to those who lost their lives while celebrating their team’s victory.
“At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted,” Virat Kohli wrote on Instagram after the incident. The arrangements were not done properly to control the massive crowd.
Read also: RCB ignored warnings! Bengaluru police openly blame the franchise after 11 people die in a stampede
