Nearly three months after the devastating stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 title celebration, franchise icon Virat Kohli has broken his silence on the tragedy that claimed 11 lives and left several others injured. What should have been a historic day for RCB turned into an unforgettable heartbreak for fans and the team alike.
“Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th. What should’ve been the happiest moment in our franchise’s history… turned into something tragic. I’ve been thinking of and praying for the families of those we lost… and for our fans who were injured. Your loss is part of our story now. Together, we will move forward with care, respect, and responsibility,” read a statement attributed to Kohli, shared by RCB on Instagram.
RCB has already announced a relief package under its initiative ‘RCB Cares’, pledging ₹25 lakh each to the families of the 11 fans who lost their lives in the chaos outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4. Reports suggest nearly 2.5 lakh fans had gathered around the stadium to celebrate the team’s maiden IPL title, achieved after a thrilling victory over Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad. Kohli, who was visibly emotional after RCB’s long-awaited triumph, has been mourning the tragedy ever since.
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The franchise has faced heavy criticism for proceeding with large-scale celebrations despite reported warnings about potential crowd control issues. For months, RCB maintained silence, but this heartfelt message marks their first official acknowledgement of the incident.
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“Our hearts broke on June 4, 2025. We lost eleven members of the RCB family. They were part of us. Part of what makes our city, our community & our team unique. Their absence will echo in the memories of each one of us,” RCB wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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The post further stated, “No amount of support can ever fill the space they’ve left behind. But as a first step, and with the deepest respect, RCB has extended ₹25 lakh each to their families. Not just as financial aid, but as a promise of compassion, unity, and ongoing care.”
This tragedy has left a lasting mark on RCB’s journey, turning a day of triumph into a solemn reminder of fan safety and responsibility in Indian cricket.
