Bengaluru Stampede: Robin Uthappa Slams RCB Over Celebration Tragedy, Calls for Better Planning

Bengaluru Stampede: Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has expressed deep disappointment with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) following the tragic stampede that occurred outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium shortly after the team's historic IPL 2025 victory.

The incident claimed 11 lives and left many others injured, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a jubilant occasion for fans and the franchise.

RCB had arranged a celebratory event at their home stadium in Bengaluru, only hours after lifting their maiden IPL trophy in Ahmedabad. Thousands flocked to the venue for the festivities, which included limited-access events and free entry. However, the celebrations were abruptly halted following reports of the fatal stampede, leading to the cancellation of a planned victory parade.

An FIR has since been filed, naming RCB, members of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and other parties. RCB's marketing and revenue head, Nikhil Sosale, is currently in judicial custody, and some police personnel have been suspended as investigations continue.

Robin Uthappa, visibly moved and upset, shared his reaction in a video on his YouTube channel. "I was angry for almost a day and I really delayed even putting anything out on social media because I was so angry," he said.

He stressed that while it was understandable for fans to want to celebrate closely with the team, the franchise should have taken more time to prepare a safer and better-organized event. "I certainly think it could have been better planned, maybe take a day off to just plan the whole event because the city did deserve it, to be very honest," Uthappa stated.

Reflecting on the emotional toll of the incident, Uthappa added, "The sad part is now that whenever there is an RCB game, my heart shudders to think what those families will experience. It just hurts, man. It truly truly hurts. I just think they didn't have enough time to plan for it. In hindsight, doing it the very next day was an error in judgment."

He believes that the franchise's long-awaited triumph after 18 years has now been irreversibly tainted. "The victory will always be marred by the loss of the lives of the people involved. It is so unfortunate that they can't even celebrate the win that they have achieved after so many years, after so much hard work. It is going to be marred by this, and so you got to feel sad for the fans and, of course, for the players," he added.