England’s young batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell believes his brief but intense exposure to the Indian Premier League played a key role in helping him handle the pressure of an Ashes debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of the most intimidating venues in world cricket.

IPL experience proves crucial in preparing Bethell for Ashes debut pressure

The 22-year-old was drafted into England’s XI for the Boxing Day Test, replacing Ollie Pope at No.3, and responded with a composed knock of 40 as England chased down 175 to secure a memorable four-wicket win. The victory ended England’s long wait for a Test win in Australia and snapped an 18-match winless run Down Under.

Bethell admitted the occasion initially got to him, but said his stint with Indian Premier League helped him stay calm when it mattered most. Having featured in two matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during their title-winning 2025 campaign, Bethell said the atmosphere in India offered an unexpected rehearsal for the Ashes spotlight.

“I was pretty nervous - not so much with the people, just the occasion,” Bethell said. “But I’ve played in India where it feels like there’s 160,000 watching. Playing in front of 50,000 at the Chinnaswamy, which felt like 100,000, definitely gave me more confidence coming into this game.”

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Calm under pressure strengthens Bethell’s case as England’s long-term No.3

Walking out to bat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with England still needing over 100 runs, Bethell showed maturity beyond his years. His timely boundaries eased the pressure and steadied a chase that could easily have slipped away on a challenging surface.

While his first-innings dismissal was forgettable, Bethell’s second-innings contribution offered a glimpse of why England see him as a long-term option at No.3. He described the role as a “double-edged sword”, demanding both survival and intent, but one he is keen to make his own.

For now, Bethell isn’t chasing labels or guarantees. His focus is simple: contribute, learn, and stay in the XI. And if handling a roaring Chinnaswamy crowd helped him breathe easier in Melbourne, England may have the IPL to thank for a calm head on the Ashes stage.

Indian cricket fans will not be able to watch veteran batter Virat Kohli’s return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday. The Karnataka government is likely to ask the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to hold the matches without spectators. This decision has been taken due to security concerns and pending infrastructure issues at the stadium.

If police permission is not given to use the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has been chosen as a backup venue. Earlier, the KSCA had planned to open two stands for the public, which could have allowed 2,000 to 3,000 fans to attend. However, the state government strongly opposed this plan, citing safety risks and unresolved issues at the venue.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the Karnataka government wants to avoid crowd problems during the holiday season, especially because star players like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant are part of the matches. Their presence earlier led the KSCA to move the games from Alur to the Chinnaswamy Stadium to reduce travel and logistical problems.

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🚨 Virat Kohli returns to action tomorrow for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare trophy, but not at the Chinnaswamy stadium!

All VHT matches in Bengaluru have been moved to BCCI's Centre of Excellence in the outskirts of the city pic.twitter.com/KcBAEkLdvw

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) December 23, 2025

Government Inspection and Crowd Restrictions

After a formal request from the KSCA, a government-appointed committee inspected the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday. The committee included officials from the police, public works department, and fire safety department. The report is expected on Tuesday. However, sources say the home department, led by G. Parameshwara, is likely to recommend limited or no public entry due to safety concerns.

Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant arrived in Bengaluru late Monday night. They will train with the Delhi team on Tuesday before their Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Andhra. Kohli’s return to domestic cricket has created strong interest among fans.

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Safety Concerns Keep Stadium Closed

This match would have been Kohli’s first appearance at the Chinnaswamy Stadium since the tragic stampede on June 4 during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory celebrations. The incident caused 11 deaths and many injuries. Since then, the stadium has not hosted major matches. The BCCI moved five Women’s World Cup matches, including the final, to other venues. The stadium was also left out of the T20 World Cup 2026 schedule.

After former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad became KSCA president, steps were taken to fix safety issues mentioned in the Justice John Michael D’Cunha report, which called the stadium unsafe for large crowds. Although Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has supported bringing cricket back to the venue, officials are not ready to allow spectators yet.

For now, Bengaluru fans may have to watch Kohli’s return from home, as safety remains the top priority.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has formally asked the Karnataka government for permission to host domestic and franchise cricket at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Matches from the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Indian Premier League (IPL) are currently being reviewed as part of this request.

This development comes months after a tragic stampede outside the stadium claimed 11 lives. The incident raised serious questions about crowd safety, stadium design, and emergency handling. Following the incident, major international matches were stopped at the venue and its future as a host ground came under doubt.

A probe by the Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission later pointed out major issues in crowd movement, entry and exit planning, and emergency preparedness at the stadium. With a new KSCA leadership now in place, headed by president Venkatesh Prasad, the association has started efforts to bring cricket back to Chinnaswamy under strict safety rules.

Safety Review to Decide Chinnaswamy’s Future

KSCA has submitted a formal proposal to the state government, and Prasad personally met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara. The state cabinet, however, has said that the final decision will be taken by the Home Department, keeping public safety as the top priority.

To check whether the stadium is fit to host matches, the Home Department has formed a high-level committee. The panel is led by the Greater Bengaluru Authority Commissioner and includes the Bengaluru Police Commissioner. Officials from the PWD, Fire and Emergency Services, Health Department, and BESCOM are also part of the team. They will inspect entry points, emergency exits, medical facilities, power supply, and crowd control systems.

The government has clearly stated that all 17 safety conditions suggested by city police, based on the D’Cunha Commission report, must be fully followed. These include wider entry and exit gates, separate ticketing and queue areas, real-time crowd monitoring, better fire safety, and improved evacuation routes. KSCA has agreed to the tight timelines and said that Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, if approved, may be held without spectators. Deputy chief minister Shivakumar has confirmed that IPL games will remain in Bengaluru, calling it matter of pride, while assuring that  fan safety will not be compromised.

The 4th edition of the Maharaja Cup faces uncertainty as the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) awaits police clearance from the Karnataka police to host the state franchise-based T20 competition at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The tournament is planned to run from August 11 to August 27. 

The clearance has not been obtained due to an ongoing investigation into the June 4 stampede killings, which occurred during RCB's victory parade day, outside the stadium premises. Large swaths of crowds gathered in the vicinity of the stadium in uncontrollable numbers, which quickly overwhelmed the law enforcement authorities, leading to the death of 11 innocent civilians. 

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KSCA on the lookout for alternative venues

In light of the tragic stampede incident, KSCA had previously announced that the Maharaja Cup would be held behind closed doors. Realising that the ongoing investigation would at some point act as a hurdle, KSCA had already made up its mind to shift the tournament outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

Alternative venues such as the Alur Cricket Ground, which is situated on the outskirts of the city, as well as the Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru, are being considered by the association at this stage. Though Alur is equipped with excellent drainage and infrastructure, the stadium lacks adequate seating capacity, and the lack of floodlights further adds to its woes. 

However, the Women's Maharani T20 Cup will go ahead as planned, and the Alur Cricket Ground will play host to all the fixtures. There was a proposal to host the final at  Chinnaswamy Stadium, but that seems highly unlikely with police approvals yet to come. Franchises have expressed their grievances to the governing body and have warned that the teams could face severe financial loss. Prior hotel bookings near the city center were made with the understanding that the tournament would be staged at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

This obstacle puts KSCA in a tight spot. The ongoing probe into the stampede killing can further jeopardize KSCA's ability to host future tournaments such as the Women's ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on September 30.

The merry moments of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning their first IPL title soon became a nightmare for the city of Bengaluru. On June 4, the large crowd that gathered outside the legendary M Chinnaswamy Stadium, cheering for the victory, turned into a fatal stampede, killing 11 individuals and injuring over 50. Now, in the wake of this tragedy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has opened up a key change literally by considering shifting the old stadium from its present site in the city's clogged heart.

Under intense pressure and public anger, CM Siddaramaiah finally spoke up, describing the stampede as "deeply painful" and confessing that shifting the stadium is being seriously contemplated. "The government will consider relocation of the cricket stadium to another site. Such a deplorable incident should never occur under any administration," he said during a press conference.

Situated in the Central Business District (CBD) area of Bengaluru, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium usually causes huge traffic jams and overgrounding during high-profile cricket matches. On the victory parade day of the IPL, more than 3 lakh people were estimated to have flocked around the stadium, well beyond the capacity of the area and causing pandemonium that spiralled into the deadly stampede.

Government Defends Actions Amid Political Heat

The Karnataka government acted quickly on the crisis. Five policemen were suspended, and the state intelligence chief as well as the CM's political secretary were changed. The government also raised compensation for the victims from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh per family as a result of popular outrage. But the opposition wasn't satisfied. The BJP and JDS criticised the Congress government, calling for both Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to resign. BJP leaders also committed to donating one month's salary to help the families affected.

Despite the backlash, CM Siddaramaiah maintained that the administration acted responsibly. “The government has not done anything wrong. This incident is saddening, but no misstep was taken. Legal action has been initiated against those found guilty,” he said. He also pointed fingers back at the opposition, questioning their silence during similar past tragedies elsewhere. “Did the UP CM resign when people died in the Kumbh Mela? Was there such a political uproar then?” he asked.

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KSCA Under Spotlight as Stadium Safety Debate Intensifies

In a new twist, the Chief Minister clarified that the celebration programme was hosted by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and not the state government. "The Secretary and Treasurer of KSCA invited me. The programme was not ours, I only attended as a guest," he stated. This clarification followed reports about a warning letter, sent by DCP MN Karibasvanna on the morning of June 4, cautioning against poor security arrangements and crowd control issues.

Chinnaswamy Stadium, as iconic as it is, has long been a logistical thorn in the side. Being close to important government complexes, business areas, and tight roads, it's becoming a less desirable location to host events that draw lakhs of people. The June 4 tragedy has once again raised questions of age-old anxiety over whether major sports stadiums in Indian cities are capable of accommodating mass crowds safely. Urban planners, citizens, and political leaders alike are now reexamining the destiny of public event spaces in fast-growing metropolitan cities like Bengaluru.

While the decision is yet to be taken, the option of moving the stadium to a secure and accessible area is on the cards. "We will take a call after proper consultation with stakeholders," said Siddaramaiah. The exercise, if undertaken, will mean intricate coordination among the state, KSCA, BCCI, and urban development authorities. For the time being, Bengaluru is in mourning. Eleven families are crying over the senseless and sudden loss of their loved ones. But as the dust settles, the city is also facing a choice. The tragedy has exposed the imperative for improved infrastructure, more efficient crowd management, and accountability.

Whether or not the stadium is shifted eventually, one thing is for sure: June 4, 2025, will be etched in history not only as the day RCB eventually won the IPL trophy, but as the day a party became a tragedy.

In a tragic turn of events, what was meant to be a celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL 2025 victory ended in disaster near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A huge crowd had congregated to celebrate their team's victory, but the poor crowd control and absence of police presence led to a stampede, resulting in the death of an estimated 11 people and critically injuring many others. The chaos unfolded on June 4, turning joy into mourning in a matter of minutes.

As a reaction to the tragedy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared a hike in compensation for the families of the victims. The compensation that was initially ₹10 lakh for each of the deceased has been doubled to ₹25 lakh each. Condoling the loss, Siddaramaiah said in a post on X that the state government is determined to help those affected and ensure that no family is left behind because of financial constraints during this dark time.

The Chief Minister's declaration was greeted with relief and further outrage, as people wondered at the security arrangements at such a massive public gathering. With anger and sorrow escalating, the stage was set for those in charge of the event and maintenance of security.

CID Probe Starts as Top Officials Quit

The stampede has also had far-reaching administrative implications. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda was suspended in the face of public outcry at the unplanned lack of coordination. The incident also led to a change at the top in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), with Secretary A. Shankar and Treasurer E.S. Jairam putting in their resignations on June 7.

ಚಿನ್ನಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಭವಿಸಿದ ಕಾಲ್ತುಳಿತ ದುರಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೃತರಾದವರ ಕುಟುಂಬಗಳಿಗೆ ಘೋಷಿಸಿದ್ದ ಪರಿಹಾರವನ್ನು ತಲಾ ರೂ.10 ಲಕ್ಷದಿಂದ 25 ಲಕ್ಷ ರೂ.ಗಳಿಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸುವಂತೆ ಆದೇಶಿಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ.

ತಮ್ಮವರನ್ನು ಕಳೆದುಕೊಂಡು ನೊಂದಿರುವ ಕುಟುಂಬಗಳು ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳಿಂದಾಗಿ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಸಂಕಷ್ಟಕ್ಕೆ ಒಳಗಾಗದಿರಲಿ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ನಮ್ಮ…

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) June 7, 2025

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A day before a crucial internal meeting, the case was transferred by the state government to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a detailed investigation. KSCA President Raghuram Bhat testified that although the association has not yet received a call from the CID, they are completely ready to assist in the investigation and help in every way possible.

Following the tragic stampede near Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, in which 11 people died and several others were injured, comes a significant development. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), in a June 3 letter to the state government, has established that the RCB match-winning celebrations had been approved beforehand. The communication to the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) points out the role of KSCA in granting permission for the felicitation function organized at the Vidhana Soudha after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's historic IPL 2025 title victory.

Though the formal function at the Vidhana Soudha was conducted without hitches, a free-for-all erupted outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium following an open invitation on social media that triggered a public congregation. The massive crowd, a lack of crowd control, and an awful stampede resulted. The public was outraged, and an FIR was filed against all the senior KSCA officials, including President Raghuram Bhat, Secretary A. Shankar, and Treasurer E.S. Jairam.

KSCA filed a Petition with the Karnataka High Court, basically saying that they were not responsible except for arranging for permissions and putting up the infrastructure. The crowd management and event planning, they claimed, were carried out by RCB and its events partner, DNA Entertainment Networks. The letter presented also emphasized that gate management and delivery were under RCB and DNA, in cooperation with local officials.

High Court Intervention and KSCA Resignations

The Karnataka High Court, on suo motu notice of the incident, has stopped the police from acting against KSCA officials until the next hearing on June 16. It also asked the state government to file a status report by June 10.

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In the face of growing questions and public outrage, KSCA Secretary A. Shankar and Treasurer E.S. Jairam resigned. While KSCA still maintains that it played no part in crowd management outside the stadium, the resignations have been interpreted as an attempt to help take the heat out of the situation while investigations continue.

A magisterial inquiry has been launched into the tragic stampede near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL triumph celebrations on Wednesday, June 4. The stampede claimed the lives of 11 people and injured over 50. G. Jagadeesha, the Bengaluru Urban district Deputy Commissioner, heading the investigation, declared that notices will be served on several parties involved, such as the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), RCB officials, event promoters, and City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda.

Jagadeesha personally went to the stadium on Thursday to inspect the ground and assured that a detailed inquiry is on the go. "I am launching the inquiry today and will not make any conclusions until facts are collected," he said in a statement to the media. He added that the probe would be finished within 15 days and a report would be given to the government. Jagadeesha also explained that he was not the officer who grants event permits, as this is the domain of the Police Commissioner.

The disaster has caused outrage among the public and political debate throughout the state. On this, the Karnataka State Government had previously declared a complete magisterial inquiry into the accident and vowed to prosecute those involved. The unruly crowd of an estimated thousand or more reportedly overwhelmed the capacity of the stadium, presenting a dangerous scenario that eventually degenerated into tragedy.

New SOPs for Crowd Control on the Way

State Home Minister G. Parameshwara, in his press statement after the incident, has assured that the government will introduce a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in order to better handle large public gatherings. The new norms will ensure safety for the future by improving the planning and crowd control.

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Parameshwara promised the public that action would be taken strictly against the administrative deficiencies that caused the stampede. "We are committed to identifying the gaps and making sure such an incident never happens again," he said, reiterating the government's commitment to putting public safety first.

Following the disastrous stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced very robust support for the impacted families/individuals. In an official announcement, the franchise has confirmed a premium support of ₹10 lakh each for all eleven families that lost their loved ones in the incident.

The stampede took place during a large public reception event to welcome the RCB team back to Bengaluru after their remarkable inaugural IPL title. The overwhelming turnout unfortunately led to crowd control issues, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. RCB expressed deep regret and assured fans that the RCB franchise prioritizes fan safety first.

Besides the compensation for the deceased, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have launched a relief program called ‘RCB Cares’ to also help those affected to recover if injured, so they too receive support. The fund will be used for medical costs and provide ongoing support to aid recovery of victims.

RCB Stands by Its Fans

"RCB Cares" is launched in conjunction with hospitals, local authorities, and NGOs to provide injured fans the critical medical care or emotional support inherent in RCB Cares. One way for any franchise to express that they are not only committed to cricket but also to that larger community that invests every bit of passion into supporting it.

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As RCB continues to celebrate its first IPL title, they are choosing to lead with compassion and accountability. Their quick and thoughtful response to this tragedy is recognized and demonstrated by fans and the cricket community, reinforcing the critical human values of empathy and accountability for any human-to-human interaction.

What was meant to be a day of celebration for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their passionate fanbase turned into a horrific tragedy outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. As thousands of fans gathered to witness RCB’s historic victory parade after their maiden IPL title, the crowd’s excitement quickly spiraled out of control. What began with chants and celebrations soon descended into scenes of chaos, as crowd control measures proved woefully inadequate. The situation escalated within hours, resulting in a deadly stampede that shocked the entire cricketing community.

The stampede claimed the lives of 11 fans, casting a dark shadow over what should have been a jubilant occasion. Dozens more were injured, with many still undergoing treatment. Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes of people getting trampled and cries for help going unheard in the sea of noise. While fans were eager to share the victory moment with their heroes, the lack of barricades, emergency exits, and security personnel only made things worse. Emergency services arrived late, adding to the grief and anger. The entire nation has been left shaken by the sheer scale of the mismanagement and loss.

See Also: IPL 2025: RCB team management comes up with official statement on stampede at M Chinnaswamy

The aftermath of the tragedy has triggered widespread outrage. Authorities and organizers have started trading blame, with the BCCI finding itself at the center of criticism. Many are questioning how such a large-scale event was allowed to take place without proper safety protocols. Social media is abuzz with demands for accountability, and public trust in the governing bodies has taken a massive hit. What was meant to be a proud, emotional milestone for RCB has now become one of the darkest chapters in IPL history.

BCCI responds strongly to the criticism 

Amidst heightened criticism, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal shares a strong message on the deadly stampede that took place outside the stadium, leaving several injured or dead. Dhumal clarified that the BCCI had no role to play in organizing the RCB victory parade event in the aftermath of the final. He expressed deep sorrow and regret for those who lost their lives in the stampede, but added that the governing body can't be blamed for this fiasco. 

“It is sad and tragic. The celebrations turned into a tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families who lost their loved ones. For the BCCI, the IPL concluded last night. We had no knowledge of such an incident occurring, so how can we be held responsible for it?”

Moreover, he also questioned the absence of IPL officials who, in his opinion, should have been present in huge numbers. Organizing RCB's victory parade came at a very short notice, almost a day after the IPL 2025 final concluded. This gave very little time for the authorities to brace themselves for what was to come. The news of the deceased fans outside the stadium compelled Dhumal to get in touch with RCB. He then advised the franchise to take stock of the situation and wrap up the celebration as quickly as possible before it could spiral further out of control.