In the wake of the tragic stampede that marred Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL victory celebrations in Bengaluru, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to convene its Apex Council on Saturday, June 14, to deliberate on and formulate new norms for victory celebrations across the Indian Premier League. The incident, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives and left dozens injured, has underscored the urgent need for stringent safety protocols and better crowd management at large-scale sporting events.
The stampede occurred outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, a day after RCB secured their maiden IPL title. An estimated 2.5 lakh fans had gathered, many hoping to catch a glimpse of their victorious team, leading to severe overcrowding and a catastrophic breakdown in crowd control. While the BCCI initially distanced itself from the event, deeming it a franchise-led affair, the gravity of the tragedy has prompted the governing body to re-evaluate its oversight responsibilities and the guidelines surrounding such public gatherings.
A BCCI source confirmed that “the need of formulation of norms for IPL victory celebration will be discussed during the meeting.” This move reflects growing concerns about public safety at high-stakes tournaments like the IPL, where fan enthusiasm can quickly escalate into unmanageable situations if proper planning and execution are lacking.
The agenda for the 28th Apex Council Meeting is comprehensive, extending beyond just celebration norms. The Council will also finalize venues for the upcoming India-New Zealand series, review the existing Age Verification Programme to combat age fraud in domestic cricket (particularly in the Under-16 boys and Under-15 girls categories), and address a complaint regarding alleged irregularities in the utilization of cricket infrastructure funds in Telangana. Furthermore, discussions will encompass updates on the 2025-26 domestic season, revisions to the BCCI Code of Conduct for players and officials, and initiatives related to umpire and referee training.
The Bengaluru stampede has ignited a broader conversation about crowd management and accountability in India’s sporting landscape. The Karnataka government has initiated an investigation, with arrests made and resignations tendered by officials of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and RCB’s marketing head. The incident has highlighted the critical importance of meticulous planning, clear communication, controlled entry points, and adequate emergency response systems for any event involving a large public gathering.
As the BCCI prepares to lay down new guidelines, the focus will undoubtedly be on preventing such tragedies in the future, ensuring that the joy of victory does not come at the cost of human lives. The decisions made in this Apex Council meeting are expected to shape the future of IPL victory celebrations, prioritizing fan safety above all else.