In the aftermath of a deadly crowd surge that killed at least 11 people during celebrations in Bengaluru, Gautam Gambhir, head coach of India’s national cricket team, urged greater responsibility from fans and franchises alike.
The incident occurred Wednesday evening outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where thousands had gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first-ever Indian Premier League title. Television footage showed supporters waving team flags, climbing walls and trees in hopes of glimpsing the team bus as it made its way through a cheering crowd.
The team had organized a celebratory event at the stadium, issuing free passes through its website and cautioning that capacity would be limited. But according to local authorities, chaos erupted when fans without passes attempted to breach security barriers. A surge developed between the outer perimeter and the main arena, resulting in the deaths of 11 people and injuries to at least 47 others, officials said.
“This is not something we can take lightly,” Mr. Gambhir said Thursday, as the Indian squad prepared to depart for a five-Test series in England. “We all need to be responsible — as individuals, as franchises, as citizens. If we weren’t ready to host a roadshow safely, then we shouldn’t have held one. Every life matters.”
Karnataka’s chief minister, Siddaramaiah — who, like many South Indians, uses only one name — confirmed the death toll and promised a full investigation. “This tragedy could have been avoided,” he told reporters.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the IPL championship after defeating the Punjab Kings in the tournament’s final, capping the 18th edition of what has become the world’s wealthiest and most-watched T20 cricket league.
As India’s cricket team now turns its attention to the England series, the shadow of celebration turned sorrow serves as a somber reminder of the perils of large-scale public gatherings — and the critical importance of crowd control.
