In the wake of the tragic stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru that claimed 11 lives and injured more than 50 people, serious questions are being raised about the role of IPL 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The fallout has led to parallel legal and administrative proceedings from the BCCI and India’s Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).
BCCI Ombudsman demands written replies
According to multiple reports, The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Ombudsman and Ethics Officer, Justice (Retd) Arun Mishra, has directed both RCB and KSCA to submit formal responses to a complaint alleging “gross negligence and violation of safety norms” during the June 4 celebration event.
“Looking at the gravity of the incident, it is considered appropriate that the Karnataka Cricket Association, as well as the concerned franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore, be asked to submit their written replies to the complaint,” Justice Mishra said in his directive.
He also laid out a structured timeline for the response and potential rejoinder: “Let the KSCA and RCB file their respective written replies to the complaint within four weeks, with copy to the complainant as well. Showing cause why the reliefs prayed for and specified in rules be not granted. Rejoinder if any may be filed within 10 days thereafter with copy to the respondents.”
The complaint, filed by senior IPS officer Vikas Kumar, calls for accountability from RCB and includes a plea to suspend the franchise and halt any ongoing sale negotiations.
“This complaint has been filed in relation to the unfortunate stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on 04.06.2025. Complaint alleges gross negligence and violation of safety norms by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. Complainant submits that accountability must be fixed. Prayer has been made for the suspension of the RCB franchise and for invalidating ongoing sale negotiations.”
Adding a layer of complexity, Justice Mishra noted ongoing speculation regarding ownership changes at RCB. “Apprehension has been expressed that the franchise may be attempting to distance itself from accountability and possibly offload ownership to avoid potential consequences. In the meantime, status quo be maintained.”
CAT quashes police suspension, faults RCB for crowd mismanagement
In a separate but related development, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) overturned the Karnataka government’s suspension of IPS officer Vikas Kumar, who had been held responsible for crowd control failures. The Tribunal instead pointed a finger at RCB for failing to obtain necessary approvals for the event.
“Therefore, prima facie it appears that RCB is responsible for the gathering of about three to five lakh people,” the CAT order stated.
Highlighting the procedural lapses, the Tribunal added: “RCB did not take the appropriate permission or consent from the Police. Suddenly, they posted on social media platforms and as a result of aforesaid information the public were gathered. Because of the shortage of time on 04.06.2025, the Police was unable to do the appropriate arrangements. Sufficient time was not given to the Police. Suddenly, RCB created the aforesaid type of nuisance without any prior permission.”
BCCI forms safety guidelines committee
Following the deadly incident, the BCCI has taken initial steps to prevent future tragedies. During its 28th Apex Council meeting, the board constituted a committee to develop comprehensive safety guidelines. The committee includes BCCI Treasurer Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, and is chaired by Devajit Saikia.
As investigations continue and pressure mounts from multiple legal and administrative fronts, all eyes are now on how RCB and KSCA will respond within the mandated four-week window, and what implications this could have for franchise accountability in Indian cricket.
