India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has issued a stern message, demanding authorities to review the practice of hosting public roadshows following the deadly stampede at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which lost 11 lives during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 winning celebrations.
On June 4, what was supposed to be a celebratory moment for RCB’s historic first IPL win turned into a terrible catastrophe. More than three lakh spectators packed the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for a felicitation ceremony that was first denied police permission. The large crowd overwhelmed the inadequate security staff, resulting in a stampede.
Victims were young admirers, including teens, who had come to see their favourite performers up close. Gambhir spoke out about the event before of the Indian team’s trip to the United Kingdom for the forthcoming England Test, questioning whether celebrations are more important than lives.
“What happened yesterday was really awful, and my heart goes out to the families of those who lost loved ones. I hope nothing like this happens in the future because I believe we are all responsible citizens and should take care of everything.”
If we cannot handle the crowd, then these roadshows should not take place: Gautam Gambhir
While Gambhir mentioned the significance of celebrations after a hard-fought victory, he questioned the need for excessive public displays like roadshows. He also shared that he never found value in such public celebrations during his playing days.
“I think lives of people are far more important, and I will continue to say. We can be a little bit careful of not holding these kinds of roadshows and can probably have them closed doors or something like this in a stadium. When I used to play, I didn’t believe much in roadshows. I don’t believe in them today, and I don’t believe in them in the future. Winning is important, celebrations are important, but more important than that is the life of any person. So if we are not prepared, or if we cannot handle the crowd in that way, then might as well these roadshows should not take place,” he added.
Notably, following the massive criticism and debates over mismanagement, RCB’s Head of Marketing and Revenue, Nikhil Sosale, and two top officials from DNA Entertainment Network, which helped organise the event, were arrested. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also asked for a judicial investigation and suspended several senior police officers.
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