Virat Kohli breaks silence on RCB stampede tragedy: 'Your Loss Is Part of Our Story Now'

On September 3, 2025, Virat Kohli publicly addressed the tragic stampede that overshadowed Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic IPL 2025 victory celebrations. The incident, which occurred on June 4 in Bengaluru, claimed 11 lives and left many injured when overwhelming crowds surged near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

In his first statement since the tragedy, Kohli expressed deep grief: “Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th. What should have been the happiest moment in our franchise’s history turned into something tragic.” He added that he has been constantly thinking of and praying for the families of the victims and those who were injured. “Your loss is part of our story now. Together, we will move forward with care, respect, and responsibility,” he said.

The RCB victory parade stampede highlighted serious shortcomings in crowd management. Reports suggest over 2.5 lakh fans attempted to join the celebrations, far exceeding the safe capacity of the area. Narrow entry points, lack of coordinated safety protocols, and insufficient preparation by authorities all contributed to the crush. The event, meant to symbolize joy and unity, instead became one of the darkest chapters in IPL history.

To support those affected, RCB announced the launch of “RCB Cares”, a foundation committed to both immediate relief and long-term safety reforms. The franchise pledged ₹25 lakh financial assistance to each bereaved family and has outlined a six-point vision to enhance crowd safety at future sporting and cultural events. The initiative includes stricter event planning, better infrastructure for large gatherings, and collaboration with experts to implement sustainable solutions.

Kohli’s remarks reflect not only personal sorrow but also a sense of accountability. For fans, his message underscores that RCB’s maiden IPL trophy win will always be tied to the memory of those who lost their lives. By acknowledging this bond, Kohli and the franchise have signaled a collective commitment to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated. For the cricketing world, the statement is a reminder that while victories are celebrated, fan safety and responsibility must always come first.