June 6, 2025
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'The job is still half done': Preity Zinta opens up, speaks out for the first time after Punjab Kings' defeat in IPL 2025 final | Cricket News

‘The job is still half done’: Preity Zinta opens up, speaks out for the first time after Punjab Kings’ defeat in IPL 2025 final | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Following Punjab Kings’ heartbreaking loss in the IPL 2025 final, co-owner Preity Zinta has spoken out for the first time, offering an emotional and inspiring message to fans, players, and the cricketing community. Taking to social media platform X, Zinta praised her team’s resilience while acknowledging the pain of falling just short.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“It didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but … the journey was spectacular! It was exciting, entertaining & it was inspiring,” Zinta wrote. “I loved the fight & the grit our young team, our shers showed throughout the tournament. I loved the way our captain, our Sarpanch lead from the front & how Indian uncapped players dominated this IPL!”It was a rollercoaster season for Punjab Kings. From topping the points table for the first time in over a decade to overcoming multiple disruptions, player injuries, scheduling pauses, and even relocating home games, the team consistently showed adaptability and character. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy Zinta’s message struck a chord as she highlighted how this IPL was unique in its challenges. “We smashed records even with so many hurdles. We adapted and we fought till the very end in an exciting final.”She also extended her gratitude to the fans — the Sher Squad — who stood by the team through every high and low. “Whatever we are & how far we’ve reached is because of you. I promise we will come back to finish the job, because as of now, the job is still half done.”While RCB celebrated their long-awaited first title, Zinta’s words were a reminder that Punjab Kings’ journey is far from over. With a promising core and spirited leadership, the foundation for a stronger comeback in IPL 2026 has already been laid.

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Bengaluru stampede case: What we know so far on RCB's celebrations that turned catastrophic | Cricket News

Bengaluru stampede case: What we know so far on RCB’s celebrations that turned catastrophic | Cricket News

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Virat Kohli and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team’s celebrations turned tragic after a stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. (PTI) Royal Challengers Bengaluru should be celebrating their maiden IPL title success. Instead, the franchise is under-fire for the tragic scenes at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday which claimed the lives of 11 individuals and left 75 injured.On 3 June, RCB beat Punjab Kings in the IPL Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This was their first IPL title in the 18th season of India’s T20 league. During the post-match celebrations, Virat Kohli, former India and RCB captain and an icon for the team, announces there will be city-wide celebrations the day after.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The day after, on 4 June, RCB leave from Ahmedabad for Bengaluru with plans of conducting an open-bus parade and a ceremony at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Upon landing in Bengaluru, the team got into a bus and were welcomed by thousands. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy During this time, their plans of an open bus parade were cancelled by the Bengaluru Traffic Police due to concerns over congestion on the route. The franchise posted on X that a ceremony will go ahead at the team’s home stadium at 5pm local time.RCB’s next stop, with a short halt at a hotel for check-in, was the Vidhan Soudha to meet the Chief Minister where they were felicitated by the state government for the achievement.Meanwhile, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the crowd had swelled to unimaginable levels catching the security, police and organisers off guard. Thousands of people flooded into the streets near the Chinnaswamy stadium and the team hotel Despite heavy rain at the venue which has a capacity of 35,000 people, nearly 10-times the number turned up to catch a glimpse of the team and partake in the celebrations.As the team celebrated inside, many fans were crushed outside. In shambolic and chaotic scenes, RCB, event management company DNA, and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) failed to ensure smooth access.With situation getting worse, the toll continued to rise gradually until it reached 11 dead and 75 injured. In the aftermath, FIRs have been registered, a one-member commission, headed by retired judge Justice Michael Cunha, has been launched by the government to probe the incident. Karnataka High Court, meanwhile, registered a suo motu case in the stampede.RCB announce compensationRCB announced a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the 11 supporters, who lost their lives in the stampede.“As a mark of respect and a gesture of solidarity, RCB has announced a financial support of Rs 10 lakh to each of the eleven families of the deceased. In addition, a fund called RCB Cares is also being created to support fans injured in this tragic incident,” the team has said in a statement.In a social media statement prior to this, the franchise had said, “RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration,” the RCB said in a statement.“We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us.“We urge all our supporters to please stay safe,” RCB said in the statement released late in the evening.Virat Kohli posted on Instagram, “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted.”FIRs filed against RCB, DNA, KSCAThe Cubbon Park police filed FIRs against RCB, DNA and KSCA in the case. Lodged by Police Inspector Girish A.K., the FIR has been registered under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 118(1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by using dangerous weapons or means), 118(2) read with Section 3(5) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt, when the act is done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), 190 (unlawful assembly), 132 (criminal force to deter a public servant), 125(a) (filing false affidavit), and 125(b) (rash and negligent acts that endanger human life). Footwear strewn near one of the gates to Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. “This incident occurred because appropriate arrangements were not made for the fans to enter the stadium. The announcement by the RCB on their official website that free passes would be distributed at the gates for the public is the reason for the gathering of lakhs of people. It was difficult to avert the incident. The police had deputed sufficient officers and cops, initiated all required security measures, and thereby averted a much larger tragedy,” the FIR stated.The FIR clarified that the officers of the Cubbon Park Sub-Division were deputed to duty until 5.30 am on June 4 (the morning after RCB’s title win).The FIR states: “At 6 p.m. on June 3, Shubendu Ghosh, the Chief Executive Officer of the KSCA, submitted a memorandum to the Police Inspector seeking arrangements for security measures for the victory celebrations at the stadium on June 4. The inspector told him clearly that if RCB wins, the fans will celebrate all night, and security arrangements will have to be made for that. If the KSCA organises another programme the next day, there will be disruption.”The FIR further stated that RCB, KSCA, and DNA managements, by not providing correct information on passes and free entry to people and fans, created confusion among lakhs of fans that reached the stadium, resulting in pushing and chaos. Following this, a stampede occurred at gate numbers 2, 2A, 6, 7, 15, 17, 18, and 21. Child faints outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium as a massive crowd gathers to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 victory “The Police Inspector told him that time was needed to arrange security measures, and permission was therefore denied for victory celebrations. Despite the denial of permission, RCB, DNA,…

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Bengaluru stampede case: Who is Nikhil Sosale, the RCB official arrested by police | Cricket News

Bengaluru stampede case: Who is Nikhil Sosale, the RCB official arrested by police | Cricket News

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Nikhil Sosale (right) in a photo featuring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. Sosale has been arrested by local police in the Bengaluru stampede case. The Bengaluru Police have arrested Nikhil Sosale, marketing head for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Diageo India, and three others from DNA Entertainment Networks on Friday morning in connection with the stampede that occurred during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations on Wednesday. RCB’s maiden IPL title celebrations turned tragic resulting in 11 deaths and 75 injured.The arrests took place following directions from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who called for action against officials from RCB, DNA Entertainment, and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Sosale was taken into custody at Bengaluru airport while attempting to travel to Mumbai.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Three staff members from DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd have been detained by the police as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident. They’ve been identified as Sunil Mathew (director and vice president), Sumatnth (DNA ticketing official) and Kiran Kumar (manager).The state government has suspended several top police officials, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda. A one-man judicial commission, headed by retired Karnataka High Court judge Justice Michael D’Cunha, has been established to investigate the case within 30 days. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy The stampede occurred outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations following RCB’s first-ever IPL championship victory against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The tragedy unfolded during a victory parade that was initially denied permission by the Bengaluru Police.Despite the initial denial, RCB announced on social media at 3 PM that the parade would proceed from Vidhana Soudha to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium at 5pm. The franchise has faced criticism for continuing celebrations inside the stadium while the stampede occurred outside.Who is Nikhil Sosale? Security personnel try to manage the crowd of fans gathered for the felicitation of IPL 2025 winning Royal Challengers Bengaluru team in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (PTI) Nikhil Sosale has been closely associated with RCB since its early years. According to his LinkedIn profile, he leads the design, strategy, and delivery of the business and marketing side of the leading brand and commercial program in the IPL. He holds a Double Major in Business from James Cook University, which he completed between 2008 and 2010.Sosale has been a visible presence at RCB games throughout the 2025 season, often seen sitting with Virat Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma in the stands. He maintains a private Instagram profile with 637 followers, which both Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma follow.He is married to Malvika Nayak, who heads the business development and partnerships department at Innoz Technologies Pvt.Ltd.In response to the tragedy, RCB had announced financial aid for all 11 families who lost members in the stampede. The franchise has also established an ‘RCB Cares’ fund to support the individuals who were injured in the incident.The Cubbon Park police registered a suo-motu case against the accused — (Accused No. 1) RCB franchise, (accused No. 2) DNA Entertainment, and (accused No. 3) KSCA administrative committee. FIR was booked under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 105 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 118 (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 190 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), and 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others).A second FIR was registered based on the complaint of Rolongumes, who was injured in the incident, under the BNS section 125 A (act endangering life or personal safety of others).

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Who is Nikhil Sosale, the top RCB official arrested in the Bengaluru stampede case?

Who is Nikhil Sosale, the top RCB official arrested in the Bengaluru stampede case?

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The Bengaluru Police on Friday morning arrested Nikhil Sosale from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) management regarding the stampede incident, which happened during the franchise’s maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) win celebrations on Wednesday. The police also arrested Sunil Mathew of the event management company DNA.  All you need to know about Nikhil Sosale, the top RCB official, who has been arrested in the Bengaluru stampede case. (BCCI ) Nikhil Sosale is the head of marketing and revenue for RCB at Diageo India. He was taken into custody by the cops at the Bengaluru when he was reportedly flying out to Mumbai. According to India Today, the police have also detained three staff members of DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd. Speaking about Sosale, he was spotted in every RCB IPL game in the 2025 season. On quite a few occasions, he was seen sitting alongside Virat Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma in the stands.  Sosale has been associated with the franchise since its formative years. According to LinkedIn, he leads the design, strategy, and delivery of the business and marketing charter of the leading brand and commercial program in the IPL.  According to his LinkedIn profile, Sosale is a Double Major in Business from James Cook University. He pursued the degree from 2008 to 2010.  Nikhil Sosale is married to Malvika Nayak, who heads Innoz Technologies Pvt.Ltd’s business development and partnerships department. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have often been spotted hanging out with Nikhil and Malvika. Also Read: RCB show solidarity in fresh statement on stampede tragedy The RCB marketing head has a private Instagram profile with 637 followers. Both Virat and Anushka follow him on the uber-popular platform.  All you need to know about the Bengaluru stampede A stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during RCB’s victory celebrations killed 11 and injured 33 on Wednesday. A day after, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked for the arrests of the officials of RCB, DNA and Karnataka State Cricket Association. The state government also confirmed the suspension of several top police officials, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda.  A one-man judicial commission has also been formed to investigate the case. It is headed by retired Karnataka High Court judge Justice Michael D’Cunha. The commission has been asked to report in 30 days. In addition, the state’s IGP and DGP were asked to immediately arrest the RCB representative, DNA event managers, and the person representing KSCA. RCB won the IPL 2025 title on Tuesday. They ended their trophy drought by winning the tournament after beating the Punjab Kings in the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Following this victory, a parade was announced in Bengaluru. The Bengaluru Police initially denied permission for the same. However, at 3 PM in the afternoon, RCB posted on social media that the parade would take place from the Vidhana Soudha to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.  RCB are coping a lot of criticism for continuing the celebrations inside the stadium despite a stampede taking place outside the venue.  On Thursday, RCB announced financial aid for all the 11 families that lost someone from their household in the stampede. The franchise have also created an ‘RCB Cares’ fund to support the 33 others injured. 

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RCB shown no mercy, IPL champions shredded after stampede outside Chinnaswamy claims 11 lives: 'Owner made big mistake'

RCB shown no mercy, IPL champions shredded after stampede outside Chinnaswamy claims 11 lives: ‘Owner made big mistake’

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What was supposed to be a happy and festive day for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans in the city turned out to be a complete horror show after a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and left 33 injured. RCB’s maiden IPL title win celebrations were marred by the unfortunate incident. Several are questioning the need for having such a big event within 18 hours after winning the tournament. While accountability is being demanded, former India pacer Madan Lal believes responsibility needs to be taken by RCB as well as they erred in judgement.  Madan Lal minced no words as he called out RCB after a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives. (AFP) While the news of the stampede garnered headlines, the RCB management proceeded with the celebrations inside the stadium. Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli gave short speeches before the event eventually wrapped. While RCB have made it clear that they cut short the celebrations upon finding about the stampede, the franchise continues to be questioned about the need for having such a big and lavish event within hours of winning the tournament.  It must be mentioned that this is the first time that a victory parade of such scale was planned in the IPL. Former India pacer Madan Lal, who was part of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, questioned RCB’s decision to go ahead with the event so quickly, as they could have easily waited two to three days.  “It’s extremely unfortunate that 11 lives were lost, this tragedy should never have happened. It was completely avoidable. You celebrated in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night. What was the rush for holding celebrations in Bengaluru?” Madan Lal told news agency PTI.  Also Read: ‘DISGRACED’: BCCI shocked but has ‘no role’ in Bengaluru stampede “The celebrations could have been held two or three days later, and RCB fans would have still shown up in full spirit. You could have given proper timings. Even if it was held after 2-3 days, the RCB fans would have still turned up. Had that been done, this incident might have been prevented,” he added. ‘Franchise owner made big mistake’ Madan Lal also blamed RCB owners, saying the franchise made a big statement by going with the celebrations so quickly. He added that the state government is at fault, but one cannot deny RCB’s role. “Who is to blame – RCB or the government? If the state government had denied permission, the celebrations wouldn’t have gone ahead. So the government is definitely accountable, but RCB is also at fault,” said Madan Lal. “The team was taken out for a public celebration just four hours after landing, what was the urgency? IPL teams have a huge fan following these days. The franchise owner made an error in judgment, he made a big mistake,” he added.  It must also be mentioned that the Bengaluru Traffic Police had denied the permission for a victory parade. However, as per reports, the RCB management kept trying to persuade to allow the parade to go ahead for a brief while from Vidhana Soudha to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Madan Lal, however, stated that BCCI had no role in the incident. “BCCI cannot be blamed. It was RCB’s responsibility, they should have worked together with the government. Who will look after the families who lost someone during the stampede?” he said.  “All that joy and celebration now feels hollow and ruined. There was absolutely no need to fly RCB in and organise a celebration in such haste. What was the need for such a hurried celebration? There was a big communication gap. Sadly, in our country, human lives continue to be undervalued,” he added. 

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Virat Kohli reacts to stampede outside Chinnaswamy stadium as RCB celebrations go haywire: 'Absolutely gutted'

Virat Kohli reacts to stampede outside Chinnaswamy stadium as RCB celebrations go haywire: ‘Absolutely gutted’

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legend Virat Kohli was at a “loss of words” following a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which killed 11 people and injured 33 during the franchise’s Indian Premier League (IPL) victory celebrations on Wednesday. What was supposed to be a special day for the RCB fans in Bengaluru turned into a nightmare as chaos ensued as police officials failed to control a jam-packed crowd. Virat Kohli reacts to the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium(AFP) Virat Kohli shared RCB’s official statement regarding the stampede. In the caption, the right-handed batter said he was “absolutely gutted.”  Owing to the stampede in Bengaluru outside RCB’s home venue, the victory celebrations were cut short. Only RCB captain Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli gave speeches before showcasing the trophy in front of the fully-packed crowd inside the Chinnaswamy Stadium.  “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted,” Virat Kohli wrote on Instagram.   Virat Kohli’s wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, also shared RCB’s official statement. In the post, she used heartbreak emojis.  Also Read: RCB react to Chinnaswamy stampede which killed 11 fans RCB legend AB de Villiers also took to X to share his prayers with those affected in the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. He wrote, “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tragic events at the Chinnaswamy stadium today.” All you need to know about RCB celebrations The RCB’s celebration started with the franchise visiting the Vidhana Soudha to meet Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The Karnataka CM felicitated the IPL 2025 champions. The franchise then made its way to the Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, before their arrival at the venue, news of a stampede broke out, which killed 11 RCB fans. As the developments about the incident came quick and thin, the celebrations continued inside the ground. Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar gave short speeches. The entire RCB team then displayed the IPL trophy in front of the Chinnaswamy, which was packed to the rafters. Hours after the incident, RCB issued an official statement, expressing deep concern over what transpired in Bengaluru on Wednesday evening. The franchise stated, “We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us.” “RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe,” the statement added. RCB had earlier won IPL 2025 after defeating Punjab Kings in the final in Ahmedabad. Kohli had a dream campaign for RCB as he scored more than 600 runs in the latest edition of the T20 tournament.

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RCB deletes celebratory video post after internet outrage over Bengaluru stampede | Trending

RCB deletes celebratory video post after internet outrage over Bengaluru stampede | Trending

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Jun 04, 2025 09:35 PM IST RCB deleted a celebratory video shared after a deadly stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium left 11 dead, drawing sharp backlash on social media. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced massive backlash on Wednesday after sharing a celebratory video showing their team bus being welcomed by cheering fans — just hours after a stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and left several others injured. The post, captioned “This welcome is what pure love looks like,” triggered widespread criticism online for its perceived insensitivity. Following the outrage, RCB deleted the tweet. RCB faced criticism for posting a video after a stampede killed 11; the tweet was later deleted following massive online outrage.(X) RCB issues statement expressing grief In response to the tragedy, Royal Challengers Bengaluru released an official statement acknowledging the incident and expressing sorrow. “We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed, the guidance and advice of the local administration. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe”, the statement read. (Also read: Shocking visuals show RCB fans climbing M Chinnaswamy Stadium walls and fences to witness felicitation event) Leaders express condolences Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “absolutely heartrending.” In a message posted by the PMO on X, he said: “The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery.” Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also shared his grief, writing: “People who were supposed to witness RCB’s IPL victory celebrations. The tragedy and death have brought deep pain and shock. My condolences to the deceased. My condolences to their family. Let there be pride, but not bigger than life. I appeal to everyone to please stay safe.” (Also read: Frenzied fans climb trees, Chinnaswamy Stadium walls to see RCB stars amid stampede. Video) Visuals of chaos circulated before tragedy struck Thousands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru supporters had gathered outside the stadium to celebrate the team’s historic first IPL title win. The felicitation event, organised to honour RCB’s victory over Punjab Kings in Tuesday’s final in Ahmedabad, soon turned chaotic as the massive crowd overwhelmed the venue, leading to a deadly stampede at multiple entry points. Earlier in the day, visuals shared by news agency ANI captured frenzied scenes of fans scaling walls and fences in an attempt to enter the stadium. News / Trending / RCB deletes celebratory video post after internet outrage over Bengaluru stampede See Less

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RCB react to Chinnaswamy stampede which killed 11 fans: ‘Upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly…’

RCB react to Chinnaswamy stampede which killed 11 fans: ‘Upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly…’

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) issued a joint statement following the stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium amid the franchise’s Indian Premier League (IPL) victory celebrations on Wednesday. The incident led to 11 RCB fans losing their lives and 33 getting injured. Both RCB and KSCA expressed deep concern and heartfelt condolence after the stampede marred RCB’s victory celebrations. RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) react to the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. (AFP) RCB were supposed to hold a victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday evening. Throughout the day, there was no clarity on whether the parade would go ahead, as initially, the Bengaluru traffic police denied permission, saying there might be too much chaos.  As soon as RCB reached the Vidhana Soudha to meet the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a stampede was reported outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Thousands had gathered to celebrate RCB’s maiden IPL title win. However, the police failed to manage the crowd, leading to an unfortunate incident unfolding outside the ground.  Also Read: BCCI shocked but has ‘no role’ in Bengaluru stampede that caused deaths, injuries “RCB – KSCA expresses deep concern and heartfelt condolences regarding the unfortunate incident that occurred during the celebration organised by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier today,” the KSCA stated in its statement.  “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained by individuals during this event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this incident. We sincerely regret this tragedy and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families during this extremely difficult time,” the statement added.  On the other hand, RCB in their official statement, said that the franchise is deeply anguished by the unfortunate incident outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium.  “We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us,” RCB stated.  “RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed, the guidance and advice of the local administration. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe,” the statement added.  ‘Compensation not intended to replace the value of human life’ KSCA also announced INR 5 lakh for the families who have lost their loved ones. However, this gesture is not intended to replace the value of human life, the joint statement stated.  “RCB – KSCA announces 5 lakhs to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We hope this gesture can offer some support and solace in their time of grief,” the statement read.  “We want to emphasize that this compensation is not intended to determine or replace the value of human life, but rather to serve as a gesture of support and solidarity during such challenging times. Thank you for your understanding and support,” it added. The victory celebrations inside the Chinnaswamy Stadium lasted for half an hour as Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli gave short speeches, thanking the crowd for their constant support.  The RCB team then took a lap around the ground to celebrate the title win. RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the IPL 2025 final to win their maiden title at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday. 

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The long wait that defined Kohli and RCB’s triumph

The long wait that defined Kohli and RCB’s triumph

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New Delhi: For a while, as Virat Kohli struggled in the middle on Tuesday, it looked as if Royal Challengers Bengaluru would be left to despair again in the IPL final. The run-rate wasn’t where they would have wanted it to be, Punjab Kings were putting on the clamps and RCB’s talisman was not able to get going. The wait, some dreaded with the RCB total on 125/3 after 14 overs, could continue. Virat Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inception of the league in 2008, finally laid his hands on the coveted IPL trophy. (AP) The cruellest cut in sport is to be within touching distance of the ultimate prize and then not win it. For RCB, it had happened thrice already, in 2009, 2011 and 2016. On each occasion, the cameras had zoomed in on Kohli. The expressions were a mix of dejection, disbelief and desperation — each feeling perhaps a reflection of where Kohli’s career was at that point. But this time, as the match wound to a close, Kohli could barely control the tears. When the final ball was bowled, he was on his knees and let it all out. Triumphs are sometimes defined by the wait; by how hard you have had to work for them; by how much the struggle changed you. This was the journey of a lifetime – for the club and the player. When Kohli was asked where he would rank the achievement, his answer revealed that the quest tested him in many ways. “It’s right up there, if I have to be honest,” said Kohli. “I’ve given everything that I had for the last 18 years. I’ve stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I’ve had moments where I thought otherwise. I stood behind them, they stood behind me. And I always dreamt of winning it with them. This is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. “You know, as a sportsman, when you grind for something, and this is a very high intensity, high quality tournament, which is of great value in world cricket today. I’m someone that wants to win the big tournaments, the big moments, and this one was missing.” The missing one Roger Federer was the clear No. 2 on clay from 2006 to 2008 when he made three straight French Open finals. The only problem was that the man dominating the tournament, Rafa Nadal, was pretty much an insurmountable hurdle and had beaten Federer in all three including a 6–1, 6–3, 6–0 pounding in 2008. But then Robin Soderling produced an epic performance to beat the Spaniard, and the Swiss ace pounced on the opportunity. “It meant a lot to me because it was the last Grand Slam that I was still missing. For me, I had won all the others by 2004, so I had to wait a good five, six years… So, of course, when I won it finally, on a rainy day here in Paris and I came through in the final, it was a beautiful moment,” Federer later said. There are many other greats who will identify with the feeling. Having made his India debut in 1989, Sachin Tendulkar had to wait till 2011 to get his hands on a World Cup. “In the end, what matters is that the trophy is sitting in your dressing room and not in the opposition’s dressing room, and that happened to us,” Tendulkar later said. “It was the ultimate feeling on the cricket field to take that victory lap as champions…” Sometimes the wait is so long that one starts believing it isn’t meant to be. That is when resilience, a single-minded focus and luck make their presence felt. India’s first individual Olympic gold was built on a manic approach by Abhinav Bindra; Andry Murray became the first British male to win Wimbledon in 77 years in 2013, but many will remember the Henmania inspired by Tim Henman as well. Henman didn’t find joy but his struggle inspired a generation. For Blackburn fans, the wait to win the top-flight English football league lasted 81 years but few will top the Red Sox baseball team winning the World Series in 2004, 86 years after their previous title. It inspired jokes and there was even talk of the Curse of the Bambino as the team’s trophy drought started after they traded Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1920. Through it all, the fans, the teams and the players persist. The wait is excruciatingly painful but at the end of the day — as Kohli and RCB will attest — that is what makes the victory taste sweeter still.

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Virat Kohli's curious IPL trophy peek: RCB star checks what's inside | Cricket News

Virat Kohli’s curious IPL trophy peek: RCB star checks what’s inside | Cricket News

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Virat Kohli (BCCI/IPL Photo) NEW DELHI: After 18 seasons of unwavering commitment and countless moments of heartbreak, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally got their hands on the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a thrilling final. The long-awaited triumph marked a historic moment not only for the franchise but also for one of its most iconic players, Virat Kohli.Emotions, hugs, tears, high fives, shouts, and roars filled the air as RCB lifted the trophy at the packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.In a video now going viral on social media, Kohli is seen opening the lid of the IPL trophy and checking what’s inside it. His curious gesture sparked loud laughter among his teammates.Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inception of the league in 2008, shared a heartfelt post on his official Instagram, reflecting on what the victory meant to him, the team, and the millions of fans who stood by the franchise through every high and low.“This team made the dream possible, a season I’ll never ever forget,” Kohli wrote.“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ride over the last 2.5 months. This one is for the fans of RCB who never ever left our side in the worst of times,” he added.In his emotional post, Kohli dedicated the win to the years of struggle and resilience the team has shown, and the sacrifices made by the players over time. ‘A particularly special feeling’: Andy Flower hails Virat Kohli, RCB after historic title win “This one is for all the years of heartbreaks and disappointment. This is for every inch of effort left on the field playing for this team,” he said.Reflecting on his personal journey, the 36-year-old batting stalwart acknowledged the long wait to finally lift the IPL trophy.“As far as the IPL trophy is concerned–you’ve made me wait 18 years to be able to lift you and celebrate, my friend but it’s been absolutely worth the wait,” he added.Kohli, who played a pivotal role throughout the season, has always been the emotional core of the RCB setup. His words mirror the emotions of a fan base that stood by their team through every setback, now rewarded with ultimate glory.He featured in 15 games this season, amassing 657 runs at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, including eight fifties with a top score of 73 not out.As the celebrations roll on, Kohli’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the deep bond between players and fans—and the unwavering belief that finally turned into reality.

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