Tag: Chinnaswamy Stadium

Sports

RCB Pledges ₹25 Lakh Each to Stampede Victims’ Families, Launches ‘RCB Cares’ for Long-Term Support

Tanisha Cardozo

On June 4, 2025, what should have been a moment of jubilation turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. During the celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic win in this year’s IPL, a stampede broke out at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, claiming the lives of 11 fans and injuring many others. Nearly three months later, RCB has released a statement reaffirming its commitment to those affected—not just in words, but through action.

In a poignant message posted on August 30, RCB expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Our hearts broke on June 4. We lost eleven members of the RCB family. They were part of us. Part of what makes our city, our community & our team unique. Their absence will echo in the memories of each one of us.”

The team announced it is extending ₹25 lakh to each of the families of the deceased. This is in addition to the ₹10 lakh per family that was announced shortly after the incident in June. The team emphasized that this support goes beyond financial aid. “It is a promise of compassion, unity, and ongoing care. No amount of support can ever fill the space they’ve left behind. But as a first step, and with the deepest respect, RCB has extended ₹25 lakh each to their families.”

Alongside this, RCB officially launched ‘RCB Cares’, a long-term commitment designed to provide ongoing support, not just for the families of the deceased, but also for injured fans and the larger community. “RCB Cares grew out of a need to honour, to heal, and to stand beside our fans,” the team said.

The tragedy has not only left an emotional scar on the team and its fans but also sparked political debate. The opposition BJP held the ruling Congress government accountable, questioning the presence of Deputy CM DK Shivakumar at the venue. Shivakumar clarified that his presence was requested by the city’s Police Commissioner to help disperse the crowd swiftly. Amid this political turmoil, RCB had maintained a near-total public silence—until now.

Two days ago, the team broke its silence with a heartfelt post: “The Silence wasn’t Absence. It was Grief.” The message continued, “In that silence, we’ve been grieving. Listening. Learning. And slowly, we’ve begun to build something more than just a response. Something we truly believe in.”

With the announcement of increased support and the launch of ‘RCB Cares’, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has taken a step toward healing—not just for the victims’ families, but for a fanbase united in both celebration and mourning. As the city continues to move forward, the echoes of June 4 remain, and RCB’s latest move ensures that those who were lost will not be forgotten.

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Karnataka Government Considers Relocating Chinnaswamy Stadium: CM Siddaramaiah

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Bengaluru – June 2025:
In a move that could reshape the sports infrastructure of Karnataka’s capital, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the state government is considering shifting the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to a new location in Bengaluru. The statement has sparked both anticipation and debate among cricket fans, urban planners, and local residents.

Located in the heart of Bengaluru, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is one of India’s most well-known cricket venues. It has hosted countless domestic and international matches and is home to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

However, CM Siddaramaiah cited urban congestion, limited accessibility, and space constraints as key reasons behind the potential relocation.

“We are exploring the feasibility of shifting Chinnaswamy Stadium to a more spacious, accessible location to ease traffic and improve facilities,” said the Chief Minister during a recent press interaction.

The current stadium, while rich in history, is situated in a densely populated part of Bengaluru near Cubbon Park. On match days, traffic congestion, parking issues, and public transport strain have become significant concerns for both authorities and the public.

The state government is reportedly exploring locations on the outskirts of Bengaluru where a modern, world-class sports complex can be developed — complete with better connectivity, parking infrastructure, and multi-sport facilities.

While no official blueprint or timeline has been shared yet, the proposal has already sparked a wave of reactions:

  • Cricket fans have expressed mixed emotions — many nostalgic about the historic venue, others open to the idea of a larger, more modern stadium.
  • Urban development experts have welcomed the move, citing the need to decentralize major public venues.
  • Environmental groups are urging the government to ensure that any development aligns with sustainable urban planning norms.

If approved, the relocation would involve:

  • Identification and acquisition of suitable land
  • Construction of a new stadium adhering to ICC and BCCI guidelines
  • Transition planning for RCB and Karnataka state teams
  • Consideration of the legacy and future use of the existing stadium site

The government is expected to hold consultations with BCCI, KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association), urban planners, and public stakeholders before finalizing any decisions.

As Bengaluru continues to evolve as a global city, this move could represent a transformative moment for its sports infrastructure. Whether the Chinnaswamy Stadium moves or stays, the discussion underscores the balancing act between heritage and modernity in urban India.