RCB IPL 2025 win marred by deadly stampede: Karnataka leaders apologize

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended an 18-year wait by clinching their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The victory was celebrated with great enthusiasm by fans in Bengaluru, but the celebrations turned tragic when a stampede broke out at Gate No.3 of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the team was expected to appear.

The stampede resulted in 10 deaths and 24 injuries, including a six-year-old girl. Several ambulances rushed the injured to Bowring hospital. Rain was reported around the stadium shortly after 5 p.m., complicating rescue efforts.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed regret over the incident, stating the crowd was "uncontrollable" and offered an apology: "I apologise for the overcrowding," he told NDTV.

Despite the tragedy, the team was felicitated earlier by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar at the Vidhana Soudha before heading to the stadium for a ceremony.

RCB received Rs 20 crore as prize money for their win, while runners-up Punjab Kings were awarded Rs 12.5 crore. This marks a significant increase from the inaugural 2008 IPL edition, where winners received Rs 4.8 crore and runners-up Rs 2.4 crore.

Director of Cricket Mo Bobat praised Virat Kohli's dedication, highlighting his nearly two decades of loyalty and sacrifice, calling the victory "an unbelievable feeling" for the team and fans alike.

"This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It's been 18 long years. I've given this team my youth, prime and experience," Kohli said.

The tragic stampede has cast a shadow over RCB's historic triumph, prompting calls for better crowd management at future celebrations.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first IPL title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs. However, celebrations turned tragic as a stampede outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium left 10 dead and 24 injured. Karnataka leaders, including Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, apologized for the uncontrollable crowd.