In an event that was meant to be a celebration of triumph and perseverance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) long-awaited IPL 2023 victory was overshadowed by a heartbreaking tragedy. As the newly-crowned champions returned to their home ground at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, a massive gathering of passionate fans turned chaotic, leading to a deadly stampede. This dark cloud over an otherwise jubilant day left several injured and claimed precious lives, casting a somber note on RCB’s historic achievement after 18 seasons of relentless pursuit.
Here at CricketPulse, we bring you a detailed account of the day’s events, from the electrifying welcome to the tragic turn, while honoring the spirit of the game and the unwavering support of RCB’s iconic fanbase, often dubbed the 12th man of the team.
The day began with euphoria as the RCB squad, led by captain Rajat Patidar, landed at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Thousands of fans, draped in red and gold, gathered to welcome their heroes, with deafening cheers echoing through the air. The players, accompanied by their support staff, were formally received by Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, marking the start of a day meant for celebration.
From the airport, the team proceeded to Vidhana Soudha, the seat of state government, to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Fans lined the streets, waving flags, chanting slogans like ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’ (This year, the cup is ours), and showering petals on the open-top bus carrying the champions. At Vidhana Soudha, a grand felicitation ceremony unfolded, with the national anthem reverberating through the hall, followed by speeches from state dignitaries hailing RCB’s grit and determination.
The pinnacle of the day was set to be the fan-engagement event at Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue synonymous with RCB’s journey since the IPL’s inception in 2008. Over 30,000 fans had gathered hours in advance, creating an electric atmosphere with drums, banners, and chants for their beloved star, Virat Kohli—a player who has been the heart and soul of RCB for nearly two decades. Kohli, with 7,444 IPL runs for RCB as of 2023, remains the league’s highest run-scorer and a symbol of loyalty in franchise cricket.
However, as the team arrived to a roaring welcome, tragedy struck outside the stadium gates. Reports emerged of a devastating stampede as fans surged forward to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Preliminary reports suggest that inadequate crowd control measures and overwhelming numbers led to the chaos. Local authorities confirmed that at least 3 lives were lost, with several others injured, some critically. Emergency services were rushed to the scene, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for immediate care.
Inside the stadium, unaware of the full extent of the tragedy at first, RCB proceeded with a victory lap, proudly holding aloft the IPL trophy that had eluded them for 18 seasons. The sight of the gleaming silverware sent the crowd into a frenzy, a bittersweet moment given the grim news filtering in from outside.
Amidst the mixed emotions, Virat Kohli took to the stage, delivering an emotional address that encapsulated the spirit of RCB’s journey. ‘I don’t have much time, we need to wrap this up and show you the trophy, so please let me talk,’ Kohli began, his voice heavy with emotion. ‘I’m going to repeat what our captain said after we won the trophy. It’s no more Ee Sala Cup Namde, it’s Ee Sala Cup Namdu. We have done it. This isn’t just for the players or someone like me who has been here for 18 years, but for all of you, the people of this wonderful city. Your trust and love for RCB are truly special. I’ve never seen a fanbase anywhere in the world like you. Congratulations to all of you.’
As the celebrations wound down, the gravity of the stampede became apparent. RCB management issued a statement expressing their deepest condolences to the families of the victims and pledged support for the injured. The Karnataka government has announced an investigation into the incident, with a focus on crowd management and safety protocols at large public events. Fans and players alike mourned the loss, with social media flooded with messages of grief and solidarity under hashtags like #RCBForever and #PrayForBengaluru.
RCB’s victory, a milestone for a franchise that has faced countless heartbreaks, including three runner-up finishes (2009, 2011, 2016), will forever be etched in history—not just for the triumph, but for the tragic cost at which it came. As we reflect on this day, let us remember the passion that unites us as cricket lovers, while advocating for safer celebrations so that no fan ever has to pay the ultimate price for their love of the game.