The 1983 World Cup-winning Team India player, Syed Kirmani, has labelled the death of 11 Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans as a `deadly welcome` that occurred during the stampede while the team had its victory parade in Bengaluru.
In an interaction with India Today, Kirmani said, “My condolences to bereaved families. This was a deadly welcome to IPL champions. In our times, there was no such media hype and there was no TV and there was no such thing which could lead to such things”.
The 75-year-old former cricketer stated that if RCB was to be felicitated, it could have been done in a proper manner and arrangements.
“On that count I suppose if RCB waited for 17 (18) years to become champions and organizers whosoever it may be could have waited for a while for things to settle down and then organize a show to felicitate these great heroes of RCB,” added the veteran of 88 Test matches.
Further speaking about the fans, the Chennai-born questioned the cricket enthusiasts whether they would turn out in the same numbers if their state team (Karnataka) had won the Ranji Trophy.
“The fans of our times were not as crazy as fans of today and especially in the IPL, the crazy fans are unimaginable, particularly as you could see lakhs and lakhs were around just to get a glimpse of these great heroes,” concluded Syed Kirmani.
Following the incident, RCB stalwart Virat Kohli, too, shared a post on his official social media handle, which read, “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted.”
Additionally, Karnataka`s incumbent Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, said the government will provide free treatment to those who were injured in the stampede.
“A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured,” the CM said.
The victory parade was scheduled after the Rajat Patidar-led RCB came home victorious by six runs against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat. Following their historic triumph, the franchise`s management and the Karnataka government organised the felicitation ceremony at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Unfortunately, the local authorities were not able to predict the massive turnout of cricket fans on Bengaluru`s streets, which in turn led to the deaths of 11 fans.
(With PTI Inputs)
