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.
