After 2025 tragedy, Chinnaswamy stadium shows what preparation can do

Chinnaswamy Stadium's preparations post-tragedy resulted in disciplined, enthusiastic RCB fans and smooth event management before the IPL match.

The scenes around M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, ahead of the inaugural match of the Indian Premier League (IPL), were what the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and Bengaluru City Police (BCP) had hoped for- people enthusiastically chanting “RCB… RCB…” but not in a frenzy. Clearly, everyone was chastened by the memory of last year’s stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations that claimed the lives of 11 fans.

The flow of spectators into the stadium was orderly, the police ensured there were no gatherings, everyone kept moving, and the crowd was responsive to directions from the police. There was some confusion among spectators due to changes in the entry gates, but it was managed quickly.

One of the major reasons for the stampede that occurred last year during the RCB’s victory celebration was a lack of preparation, said an Assistant Commissioner of Police. “This time we have clear directions and our roles are defined,” he added.

With the deployment of over 2,000 police personnel for bandobast, the celebrations did not cross any line.

Fans displaying RCB banner outside the M. Chinnaswamy stadium during the IPL opener between the defending champion RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru on March 28. | Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.

As has been the case over the years, a sea of red echoed with cheers of the RCB’s talismanic batter, Virat Kohli. Artists painted fans’ hands and faces with the RCB logo and name, while vendors did brisk business selling jerseys. As always, spotting a Sunrisers Hyderabad fan, the visiting team for the inaugural match, required effort, as red jerseys engulfed the iconic venue.