In a stunning development that could reshape their title defense, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to play the IPL 2026 season away from their iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Following a tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives and injured over 70 outside the venue on June 4, just a day after RCB’s historic IPL 2025 win, the Karnataka government has declared the stadium unfit for hosting major events, including high-profile cricket matches.

The incident occurred during a victory celebration parade that drew an estimated 300,000 fans, nearly ten times the stadium’s 35,000 capacity. Mismanagement of security and lack of crowd control were cited in a judicial commission’s scathing report, which held RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and event organizers DNA Entertainment Networks responsible for the chaos. Shockingly, all 79 police officers deployed for the event were stationed inside the stadium, with none outside to manage the massive crowd.

The Karnataka cabinet has approved legal action against key individuals from RCB, KSCA, and the event agency. While the state government initially appeared to blame the IPL franchise, it has since acknowledged failures on the part of senior police officials as well, including the suspension of Bengaluru’s police commissioner and other top officers. The official report, led by retired Justice John Michael D’Cunha, found the organizers operated without necessary permissions, failed to regulate entries, and ignored critical safety measures.

ALSO SEE: IPL to ban RCB? Stampede to put IPL 2025 winners in massive trouble

RCB set to play IPL 2026 away from Chinnaswamy after stampede tragedy forces stadium ban

As a consequence, RCB will lose the home-ground advantage at Chinnaswamy, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere and die-hard fan base. The franchise will be assigned a new home stadium for the 2026 edition, though the BCCI has yet to confirm the replacement venue.

RCB had just finished their long wait for a title with Rajat Patidar's January coming out party as they defeated Punjab Kings at the 2025 IPL final in Ahmedabad, but the elations turned into a tragedy, and we are now dealing with the ramifications of it before what should be an eventful season.

The event has also sparked political blame games, where the opposition BJP is blaming the Congress-led Karnataka government for endorsing the event without any real enforcement of safety norms. The Karnataka Government ,meanwhile, pledges to restructure those safety norms before allowing a large, public events at the stadium. And with court processes continuing, with no solid timeline in which Chinnaswamy will become a cricket venue again, it is a difficult transition year for RCB away from home as defending champions, under significant public scrutiny.

More than a month has gone by since the stampede at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium rocked the city during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL 2025 victory celebration. Though RCB and the Karnataka government had made early assurances of assistance and compensation, several families of the victims now claim they have been given no assistance.

The stampede happened on June 4 when huge crowds of people thronged around the stadium after RCB's championship-winning season. Poor crowd control and a lack of coordination between event management and security forces caused panic and chaos, with 11 fatalities and many injuries, as per reports.

In the initial aftermath, RCB had issued a public statement of sympathy and had announced a compensation package of ₹10 lakh per family. The Karnataka government had also offered ₹25 lakh per family. But now, as per recent reports, it is reported that several families state they are yet to receive any official communication or disbursement of funds.

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RCB Yet to Fulfill Compensation Promise, Victims' Families Left in Limbo After Bengaluru Stampede

Some relatives, in an interview with local media, said that in spite of repeated follow-ups, they have not been made aware of timelines or procedures. This confusion has contributed to the anguish of bereaved families who are already struggling with legal and administrative complexities.

Sources in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) have indicated that talks were on, and RCB stated that compensation had been processed at official levels. Yet, no word has appeared publicly that funds have reached the recipients.

The accident has caused increasing public attention to the management of crowd safety in massive sporting events. Judicial proceedings are in motion, with the government conducting investigations into the breakdowns in planning and security. In the meantime, certain police officers and RCB staff on duty at the event have been suspended or questioned.

For the time being, the victim families remain in expectation of promises being kept. The stampede is still one of the darkest moments of recent IPL history, offering pressing questions over responsibility, readiness, and the necessity of swift relief efforts for victims.

Popular singer Sonu Nigam ignited a raging online controversy with a mysterious X post after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) long-awaited IPL 2025 victory. Nigam penned, "Jab se RCB IPL jeeti hai, tabse duniya mein kuch bhi achcha nahi ho raha hai!" —words that left people wondering if it was a light-hearted remark or a dark critique of the happenings in the wake of RCB's victory.

The remark, posted shortly after RCB won their inaugural IPL trophy on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, soon went viral. While some netizens interpreted it as a cheeky reference to RCB's sudden end to an 18-year title wait, others took it to be an indication of the tragedies that ensued, such as the June 4 stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in which 11 people died and more than 30 were injured, and the June 12 Air India crash near Ahmedabad when 265 people were killed.

Nigam, known for his outspoken nature, did not provide any clarification, adding to the ambiguity. His post became a lightning rod on X, sparking reactions ranging from amusement to outrage. While vague, the comment went viral—memes engulfed timelines, and the sentence trended for hours, attributing RCB's win to a string of bad luck mishaps.

Jabse RCB IPL jeeti hai tabse duniya mein kuch bhi achcha nahi ho raha hai!

— Sonu Nigam (@SonuNigamSingh) June 16, 2025

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People's Reactions to Nigam's Remark

Fans were particularly polarized. Some appreciated the dry humor of the post and interpreted it as a cultural representation of RCB's mythical "jinx," while others criticized the insensitivity, particularly in the wake of lives lost during victory celebrations. With Nigam remaining tight-lipped, the controversy hangs in the air—giving an unwelcome edge to what would otherwise have been an unrestrained moment of joy for RCB fans.

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath found himself at the center of playful fan banter during a recent Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) match. Popular for his devotion to CSK, Badrinath has traditionally been loud about his allegiance to the five-time IPL title winners and has in the past taken good-natured shots at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for their extended run of not winning an IPL title.

Badrinath, who was with CSK from the 2008 season until 2013, was an important member of the side during its golden period, where he contributed to back-to-back IPL winning seasons in 2010 and 2011. He also lifted the Champions League Twenty20 title in 2010 with them, and he was a decorated member of the CSK early success story. Badrinath was a pleasant presence in the middle order, and he was a reliable performer under Dhoni's captaincy.

But on the day of the TNPL game, a group of RCB supporters chose to troll the ex-CSK legend, reminding him of RCB's recent victory in the 2025 IPL title. In good humor, Badrinath acknowledged the trolling and chanting by giving a thumbs-up, indicating he had taken the good-natured jibes sportingly. The moment soon went viral on social media, with supporters from both sides sharing the clip extensively.

A sporting response from a seasoned campaigner

Badrinath's act was applauded as an exercise in sportsmanship, and everyone admired the manner in which he responded to the trolling. Even in the intense CSK-RCB rivalry that exists, his cheerful and calm response brought forth the common respect and enjoyment that make up much of cricket culture in India. His thumbs-up did not just accept RCB's long-sought victory but also reflected grace and maturity.

Watch the video here

Here's the video of his humiliation.😂🤣 https://t.co/ePQ2crclkX pic.twitter.com/HmDbYRROMz

— ꪜ𝐢𝐧𝐨 (@vinoo_96) June 10, 2025

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As fan rivalries define the IPL storyline, these kinds of moments remind us of the good-natured aspect of the game. While Badrinath is a CSK die-hard, his encounter with RCB supporters at the TNPL reflected the camaraderie and respect that make cricket more than a sport.

On June 4, 2025, Bengaluru witnessed history as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) claimed their first IPL title after an 18-year wait. The win ignited wild celebrations outside of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with thousands of fans and supporters coming to join in the celebrations. But the celebrations soon took a dark turn when there was a stampede near Gate 7, where 11 people were killed and dozens injured, including some teenagers.

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar was very saddened by the event, and he condoled the bereaved families. In his Mid-Day column, Gavaskar pondered how the long wait for RCB's first championship made the emotions of fans so much more heightened. He noted how if RCB had won in previous seasons, the celebrations would not have been so rabid. "If RCB had won the trophy in the initial years, there would not have been this flood of emotion," he said, pointing towards the special emotional frenzy in this victory.

"What a tragedy," Gavaskar lamented. “All those people wanted was a glimpse of the players… maybe even a quick photo with them. Haven’t we all been fans of someone before… and wanted to see them and have a brief hello?” He was admitting that fans had assembled innocently, anticipating these moments with their heroes, but regretting how a celebration that was full of joy was full of chaos and loss. He stressed that while passion is natural, it needs to be balanced with caution to avoid such heartbreaking outcomes.

The Need for Responsible Celebrations and Better Crowd Management

Gavaskar called on organizers, officials, and supporters to reflect on this disaster and make sure that future celebrations for sport would consider safe environments first. He stressed the responsibility to implement proper crowd control measures, discipline, and planning, and to avoid the stampede risk involved in large public gatherings. Gavaskar remarked, enthusiasm can be a peril unless it is managed.

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This tragic episode serves as a powerful reminder that sporting triumphs, though joyous, must never come at the cost of human lives. As the cricketing community mourns the loss, Gavaskar’s reflections urge a shift towards safer, more structured celebrations that honor both the spirit of the game and the well-being of its fans.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) concluded their 18-year title drought by winning their first IPL trophy in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final. RCB showed tremendous resilience, incidentally, overcoming a shaky start to the season, but they also found the right balance for their team, anchored with impactful senior players and budding stars when it counted most. However, even title-winning teams must evolve, especially with the mega auction not too far away. RCB may remain on top by being even more inclusive in depth and tactical flexibility through trades next year. Specifically, RCB should add more left-handers, spin options, and young Indian talent. Below are three players RCB should target in trades for IPL 2026.

3. Mahipal Lomror

Lomror was a member of the RCB franchise from 2022 to 2024 and contributed well with the bat. During IPL 2025, he was signed by Gujarat Titans for ₹1.7 crore but didn't play a single match. Lomror is a left-handed batter capable of bowling left-arm spin, which allows the team greater balance and flexibility. Lomror had impressive strike rates as a finisher, where he had a strike rate of 183.82 in the first half of 2024. RCB particularly suffers from a lack of left-handed batting talent since their playing XI only has Krunal Pandya and Devdutt Padikkal as left-handed batters. Lomror's comeback would provide them with improved balance and a trusty domestic asset. With his familiarity with the team, this would be a shrewd and unproblematic exchange.

2. Smaran Ravichandran

Smaran Ravichandran, a left-handed 22-year-old batter from Karnataka, is a domestic upstart. Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him as a replacement in IPL 2025 but did not play him because of injury. But look at his domestic T20 stats—170 runs in 6 games at a strike rate of 170 with a half-century. His attacking style and local attachment may make him an ideal fit for RCB. SRH possesses an established top order, which might make Ravichandran available for trade. His inclusion would bring vigor and variety to RCB's batting. Being a left-hander, he also adds strength to the lineup strategically.

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1. Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar provides significant value as an all-round spinner, able to bowl tight off-spin and score brisk runs. In IPL 2025, he was impressive with a strike rate of 166.25 and kept his career economy below 8. Having been with RCB previously from 2018 to 2021, he knows the team ethos. Sundar might provide a good complement to Krunal Pandya's left-arm spin, providing RCB's spin control. He also provides depth in batting, providing a floating role if required. If Gujarat Titans are willing to trade him, Sundar would be a high-impact signing. His all-around quality is tailor-made for the changing needs of RCB.

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) came back home to a hero's welcome after their first-ever IPL championship triumph, a sad incident occurred in different parts of the city. Demands for huge gatherings broke out in different places in Bengaluru, predominantly in the vicinity of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in a jostle-like situation that allegedly claimed casualties.

In response, the management of the RCB has issued an official statement conveying sorrow and solidarity with the families. "We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon," the franchise noted. "The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us."

The statement further states that as soon as the RCB squad became aware of the situation, they also quickly changed their plans to return home. The franchise worked together with local authorities to ensure that the balance of the events were then conducted with maximum safety.

"Heartfelt Condolences" and Appeal for Safety

In a statement that was both sorrowful and responsible, RCB conveyed their deepest condolences to the grieving families who lost dear lives. "RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families," the statement added.

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Massive crowd gather at Vidhana Soudha for RCB

The team also appealed to fans to stay safe and vigilant at this time of jubilation. As the city was still under the emotional wave of RCB's IPL 2025 win, the words were a reminder of the need to keep the public above fanfare. The team is likely to conduct a more organized and secure celebratory function in cooperation with the Bengaluru administration in the coming days.

In the aftermath of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's historic first Indian Premier League (IPL) championship win in 2025, tearful Virat Kohli spoke before a full M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in the team's homecoming ceremony. The crowd was charged up with thousands of people shouting "Kohli, Kohli" in unity, which led to the RCB legend asking for a short break. "I don't have much time. We need to wrap this up." We have to display our trophy," he smiled, calling upon the crowd to allow him to speak.

Kohli started his address with a statement that marked the end of an 18-year waiting game: "It's no more Ee Saala Cup Namde. It's Ee Saala Cup Namdu. We have done it." His words renewed cheerfulness all over the stadium. He had the victory dedicated to RCB's faithful supporters and the city of Bengaluru in appreciation of their unstinting support during almost two decades of ups and downs. "This victory is not merely for the players but also for the supporters, the people of this great city," he further said.

Emotionally touched, Kohli praised the RCB supporters as unrivaled in international sport. "I have never seen any fanbase of any team in the world like you guys. Congratulations to all of you," he asserted. His humility and sense of appreciation touched the hearts of the wave of fans who had supported Kohli since the beginning of the franchise.

A Special Tribute to RCB's New Captain

Kohli then addressed the team's new captain, Rajat Patidar, who led RCB to their first title. Going back to the pre-season 'Unbox' function, Kohli reminded supporters how he stood up for Patidar being a future leader. "I said one thing very clearly: 'This guy is going to lead us for a long time to come,'" Kohli said, calling on supporters to hail their new captain loudly.

Watch the video here

#WATCH | Virat Kohli praises #RoyalChallengersBengaluru captain Rajat Patidar as RCB ended their 18-year-long wait and won their maiden IPL trophy yesterday after defeating Punjab Kings

"He will lead us for a long time," says Virat Kohli

(Visuals from M Chinnaswamy Stadium in… pic.twitter.com/V1W8GrR5Qg

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Massive crowd gather at Vidhana Soudha for RCB

With such words from the heart, Kohli welcomed the man of the hour: "He has won the trophy for us in the first season. Welcome our captain, Rajat Patidar." The crowd went wild once again, signing off on a historic moment not only for RCB but for its history and future.

On June 4, 2025, Bengaluru was buzzing with excitement as thousands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans gathered at Vidhana Soudha to celebrate the team's first Indian Premier League (IPL) Championship. After 18 years of waiting, RCB finally won their first IPL trophy after winning against Punjab Kings by six runs in the nail-biting final in Ahmedabad. The streets were full of excited fans waving red and black flags and chanting the ever popular "Ee Sala Cup Namde."

The festivities were officially launched with a grand felicitation ceremony at Vidhana Soudha, with Karnataka's political leaders stepping forward to felicitate the champions. The team bus, headed by skipper Rajat Patidar and star batsman Virat Kohli, was met with an avalanche of people. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar personally felicitated the players, presenting them with garlands, Mysuru turbans, and plaques in appreciation of their great achievement.

The energy was palpable as fans of the RCB from all parts of the city came to cheer for their heroes irrespective of their political allegiance. Social media was saturated with pictures and videos of the celebratory mood while chants and cheers spilled over into the surrounding areas. The victory was not only a testament to the team’s dedication but also a celebration of Bengaluru’s unwavering love for cricket.

Grand Celebrations Across Bengaluru

Beyond the Vidhana Soudha, the city was alive with festivities. Streets from HAL Airport to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium saw large crowds clad in RCB colors, creating a vibrant sea of red and black. An open-top bus parade was also planned but scrapped in light of Bengaluru's traffic and congestion. Instead, the team was able to get to Chinnaswamy Stadium for a special celebratory event.

Watch the video here

THE CROWD OUTSIDE VIDHANA SOUDHA FOR RCB 🤯 pic.twitter.com/13YK0AzpYz

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 4, 2025

Also Read: RCB create history on and off field with massive IPL viewership milestone

At the stadium, the players were joined by RCB legends like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, adding to the excitement.  Fireworks lit the sky while chants of "Ee Sala Cup Namde" reverberated throughout the city. Bengaluru will bond as a city of pride and joy with this historic victory, thanks to spectacular play and key-player performances. All RCB fans will cherish these memories forever.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their 18-year wait and won their first-ever IPL trophy, while the historic RCB victory broke viewership records in IPL history. The IPL 2025 final between RCB and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) captured the imagination of cricket fans across the country, and viewership reached all-time highs. Since 2008, Virat Kohli has represented the franchise, and he was instrumental in creating the higher emotional value and engagement of the match, which benefited audiences throughout.

The grand final began with a considerable digital viewership of 4.3 crore, but this was just the start; viewership exploded from there. The explosive start by Phil Salt and his dismissal shortly thereafter by Shreyas Iyer had viewer numbers climb. By the 11th over, more than 11 crore viewers were switched on, and with Kohli's exhilarating dismissal for a mark of 43 runs, the viewership peaked at 26.5 crore. Jitesh Sharma's counterattack during the innings saw viewer numbers climb above the 30 crore mark, and when RCB crumbled during the last few overs of PBKS', viewership escalated to 34.7 crore by the end of the innings. By the time RCB posted a total of 190 runs, digital viewership measures were already above 35 crore.

Punjab Kings began their chase with intent but were brought back to earth with Krunal Pandya's early breakthrough of Prabhsimran Singh, which had everyone on the field and , especially in front of the tele, electrified. Moments following the wicket, viewership suddenly spiked to 50 crore with RCB fans chanting slogans from the stands inside Narendra Modi Stadium. As the game progressed into its climax, the viewing audience spiked further, reaching 55 crore by the end of the 14th over. Following the win, the total viewership reached a whopping 67.8 crore.

Digital and Television Viewership Break New Ground

While IPL 2025 will forever live on in history for RCB's victory, it will also be memorable for new benchmarks in how cricket is consumed digitally. On its opening weekend, there were an incredible 4,956 crore minutes of cumulative watch time. The first three matches were able to accrue 137 crore views and increase connected TV (CTV) usage by 54% and peak concurrent viewership to 3.4 crore. Year over year, digital viewing grew by 40%, demonstrating the growth of IPL's OTT audience is sharper than any other platform.

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Traditional television audiences followed suit. According to the BARC, IPL matches were viewed by over 25.3 crore people in the opening weekend alone, accruing a total watch time of 2,770 crore minutes - a 22% increase from IPL 2024. On the world stage, the IPL final's digital reach exceeded that of many of cricket's biggest occasions, including the India vs. Pakistan ICC Championship match that attracted 60 crore digital views and the Champions Trophy Final, which saw 6.1 crore simultaneous viewers. The IPL 2025 finale now stands as the biggest live sports event in Indian streaming history.