The RCB stalwart Virat Kohli has broken the silence on the stampede at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during their maiden title win celebrations, admitting that nothing had prepared him for the heartbreak of June 04.
His statement comes after Royal Challengers Bengaluru addressed the incident, which cost 11 lives of people and left more than 40 people injured.
The franchise’s maiden IPL triumph turned tragic when a stampede broke out near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Thousands of fans gathered on the streets to welcome RCB after their historic win, but mismanagement has led to the tragedy.
“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,” said Virat Kohli in the statement released by the franchise.
“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.”
Virat Kohli was leading the celebrations at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium when the stampede incident occured. RCB stopped the celebrations with immediate effect. Earlier in the day the team has been felicitated by Chief Minister N.Siddaramaiah in an open-ari ceremony at the vidhana Soudha.
“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… pic.twitter.com/nsJrKDdKWB
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) September 3, 2025
The stampede was triggered by the annoucement of an open-bus parade, depite state police reportedly denying permission for it.
Thousands of fans gathered in anticipation of the parade one that ultimately never took place.
After the incident the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was declared not fit for hosting large scale events after an investigation by a state government formed panel.
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 games were moved out of the venue after a t20 tournament was shifted from Bengaluru to Mysore.
On August 30, RCB announced a financial aid of INR 25 lakhs for each of the families of the deceased in the stampede and assistance to those injured.
RCB had initially announced INR 10 lakh aid for the victims families, but they increased the compensation after the ‘RCB Cares’.
Over the coming months, after obtaining necessary permissions, RCB Cares will extend its support beyond financial aid to provide fast, transparent, and compassionate assistance to fans and families impacted.s
