'Nearly 3 months since...' RCB break silence on stampede
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally broken their long silence following the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede with an emotional message for the fans. The tragic June 4 stampede that left 11 dead and over 50 injured marred the team's title celebrations in June. With a heartfelt note, RCB also announced the launch of "RCB Cares," an initiative to honor their supporters.
Context
Why does this story matter?
RCB's maiden IPL title was met with jubilation but turned into grief in less than 24 hours. The stampede took place around 3:25pm on June 4 during a felicitation event for the historic victory. The event was held on the same day as a state government function for the IPL victory at Vidhana Soudha, less than a kilometer from the stadium. The tragedy claimed 11 lives and injured over 50 people, leading to widespread outrage and criticism against RCB.
Acknowledgment
'The silence wasn't absence. It was grief'
RCB drew flak for their tepid response following the incident. After nearly three months, the franchise has acknowledged the pain and loss caused by the stampede. "It's been close to three months since we last posted here. The silence wasn't absence. It was grief," wrote the IPL 2025 champions. On the tragic incident, RCB said, "That day broke our hearts, and the silence since then has been our way of holding space."
Initiative
We return with care: RCB
RCB further explained that their silence was a period of grieving, listening, and learning. They said this led to the creation of "RCB Cares," a platform for "meaningful action" shaped by their community and fans. "We return to this space today, not with celebration but with care. To share. To stand with you. To walk forward, together. To continue being the pride of Karnataka," added the post.
Twitter Post
RCB's note for 12th Man Army
Dear 12th Man Army, this is our heartfelt letter to you!
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) August 28, 2025
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.
The Silence wasn’t Absence. It was Grief.
This space was once filled with energy, memories and moments that you… pic.twitter.com/g0lOXAuYbd
Aftermanth
The aftermath!
In their immediate response, RCB announced a financial support of ₹10 lakh each for the families of the deceased. In July, the Karnataka cabinet approved the judicial commission's report on the stampede. The commission held several parties responsible for "gross negligence and dereliction of duty," including RCB, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), event management company DNA Entertainment, and Bengaluru Police officers. Notably, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been dropped as the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup venue.