Following a stampede during Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)'s IPL victory celebrations near the Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in the tragic deaths of 11 people, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has sprung into action.
Bengaluru Stampede: The stampede during the celebrations in Bengaluru following Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) IPL victory has shocked the nation. The horrific incident near the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives and injured dozens, has prompted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take immediate action.
BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia has stated unequivocally that the incident cannot be ignored and the board will take steps to formulate clear guidelines for future title celebrations.
BCCI Will Not Remain a Silent Spectator: Devjit Saikia
Saikia stated, "The BCCI has to do something at some level. We cannot remain silent spectators." He also acknowledged that while the event was privately organized by RCB, its consequences cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader framework of cricket. The BCCI will now officially work towards developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for such events. This will include aspects such as crowd control, safety standards, event time limits, and venue selection.
Gautam Gambhir Expresses Strong Displeasure
India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, expressed grief and anger over the incident, stating, "I think people's lives are far more important. We can avoid roadshows and open celebrations. Such events should be held in stadiums or closed venues where security can be controlled." Gambhir's statement indicates that Team India and franchises will have to reconsider their celebratory methods.
The incident began when thousands of people poured onto the streets of Bengaluru to celebrate RCB's historic victory. The crowd became uncontrollable, leading to a stampede. According to the police, the crowd size was far greater than anticipated, and security arrangements proved inadequate.
Several videos and eyewitness accounts have emerged showing people crying for help while the administration appeared helpless. The Karnataka government has taken the incident seriously and ordered an investigation. Several officials associated with the event have already been suspended, and some have been arrested. The government has made it clear that such negligence will not be tolerated.
Will the Nature of Title Celebrations Change?
Following this incident, questions have arisen about whether a responsible sporting body like cricket should distance itself from open and uncontrolled roadshows. The BCCI's new guidelines will likely stipulate that post-title victory celebrations:
- Will be limited to stadiums or indoor venues.
- Will require prior permission from the local administration.
- Will necessitate organizers submitting an affidavit regarding safety standards.
- Will include live monitoring and a control room setup for every event.
