Group India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has delivered a searing indictment of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL title victory celebration, following a catastrophic stampede in Bengaluru that tragically claimed 11 lives and left dozens injured. The devastating incident, occurring outdoors the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, has forged a profound pall over what was envisioned as a momentous and jubilant event for RCB and its passionate fan base.
RCB’s historic IPL win marred by tragedy
RCB’s long-awaited maiden IPL title, secured after an 18-year pursuit, was met with widespread jubilation and meticulously deliberate festivities. These included a particular felicitation ceremony on the Vidhan Soudha by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and an eagerly anticipated open bus parade via the town streets. Nonetheless, the joyous ambiance quickly dissolved into horror when an estimated 250,000 zealous followers converged and surged across the stadium, utterly overwhelming the prevailing safety measures and occasion organizers. The following uncontrolled crowd motion led to a horrific stampede that resulted within the deaths of 11 people, amongst them a number of younger followers, and inflicted accidents upon practically 50 others.
Gautam Gambhir’s unfiltered condemnation
Chatting with reporters previous to India’s upcoming tour of England, Gambhir was unequivocal in his criticism of the choice to stage such an expansive public celebration. “I used to be by no means a believer that we have to have roadshows. By no means. After I was taking part in, I had the identical assertion, even after successful the 2007 T20 World Cup that we should always not have street exhibits. The lives of individuals are much more necessary and I’ll proceed to say that,” Gambhir asserted, his voice reflecting deep concern.
He underscored that the paramount consideration for any celebration have to be the protection and well-being of the general public, overriding any need for grandeur or spectacle.
Additionally READ: “People will not forget this or Virat Kohli” – Former India cricketer slams RCB’s celebration amid Bengaluru stampede tragedy
Gambhir strongly advocated for future mass gatherings to be confined to safe, managed environments akin to enclosed stadiums or designated closed-door venues, thereby mitigating the chance of comparable catastrophic outcomes. “If we’re not prepared to carry a street present, we should always not try this. You can’t at any level of time lose 11 individuals,” he added, emphasizing the unforgivable lack of life.
Gambhir additionally raised questions relating to the extent of preparedness exhibited by the occasion organizers, particularly naming RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Affiliation (KSCA) and the exterior occasion administration firm. All these entities are actually reportedly going through prices of felony negligence in reference to the tragic occasions. “We should be accountable residents. If we weren’t prepared to carry a roadshow, we shouldn’t have executed that,” Gambhir reiterated. His remarks resonate with an growing refrain of voices demanding larger accountability and considerably improved planning for public occasions, particularly in a cricket-obsessed nation like India, the place huge crowds are a typical incidence.
Additionally READ: Here’s how much compensation RCB offered to victims of the tragic stampede in Bengaluru
