‘RCB Cares’ initiative launched after tragic incident following IPL 2025 title win
RCB’s Historic IPL Win Turns Tragic
On June 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) celebrated their long-awaited first IPL title win, defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. However, the joy was tragically short-lived.
Just a day later, on June 4, a stampede broke out outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during the victory celebrations.
- 11 lives were lost
- Over 50 people were injured
This incident turned a historic sporting achievement into one of the darkest moments in the franchise’s history.
RCB Breaks Silence with Financial Aid and New Initiative
After nearly three months of public criticism, RCB finally issued a heartfelt statement and launched its ‘RCB Cares’ initiative. In the statement posted on social media, the team announced:
“RCB has extended ₹25 lakh each to the families — not just as financial aid, but as a promise of compassion, unity, and ongoing care.”
- Each bereaved family will receive ₹25 lakh in aid
- Ongoing support has been promised under the ‘RCB Cares’ initiative
The franchise acknowledged the pain of the tragedy:
“We lost eleven members of the RCB family. Their absence will echo in the memories of each one of us.”
Delayed Response Sparks Public Outcry
While the gesture is being welcomed by some, many fans and citizens criticized the timing and delay in RCB’s response:
- RCB shared a brief condolence shortly after the incident
- No substantial statement or support followed for over 84 days
- Public outrage grew, with protests, complaints, and arrests following the incident
The Karnataka Government placed blame on the franchise, citing poor planning and crowd management failures that led to the tragedy.
RCB Cares: A Step Toward Healing?
RCB’s new initiative, ‘RCB Cares’, is being presented as a long-term commitment to community care and responsible action:
“Every step forward will reflect what the fans feel, expect, and deserve.”
While it may serve as the beginning of healing for some, critics argue that true accountability and timely response are just as important as financial compensation.
The tragic events following RCB’s historic IPL 2025 win highlight the need for better safety measures and responsible celebration planning. While the ₹25 lakh compensation is a welcome step, the delay has raised serious questions about priorities, communication, and genuine empathy.
