Following Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) historic IPL 2025 victory, a tragic incident marred the celebrations, casting a shadow over the franchise’s future. A deadly stampede occurred outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 4 during a fan event held to honor the team’s win.
The mishap, which led to the death of 11 individuals, has now prompted legal and administrative fallout, with the Karnataka government filing a criminal case against both RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for negligence in planning and executing the event.
In light of the tragedy, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been declared unfit to host large-scale or high-profile events, including IPL matches, according to a report by the *Deccan Herald*. Safety concerns have taken precedence, and the stadium’s inability to manage massive crowds has come under severe scrutiny.
As a result, RCB will not be able to host any home games in Bengaluru during the upcoming IPL 2026 season, a significant blow to the team and its loyal fan base.RCB’s displacement from its traditional home ground means the franchise will have to compete without the passionate support of its home crowd, a factor that has historically bolstered their performances.
The team is now expected to be assigned a new venue for their home matches in 2026, but the absence of the familiar Chinnaswamy atmosphere will be deeply felt by players and supporters alike. This relocation also presents logistical and emotional challenges for the franchise, potentially affecting team morale and fan engagement.
According to further details in the *Deccan Herald* report, glaring lapses in crowd management were identified as key contributors to the fatal stampede. While 79 police officers were reportedly stationed inside the stadium, there was no deployment outside—despite the enormous turnout of RCB fans.
Additionally, the absence of medical personnel and ambulances at the event site highlighted serious planning deficiencies. These failures have intensified public outcry and forced authorities to act decisively.
RCB’s 2025 title win, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, had brought unprecedented joy to its fans, especially after years of near-misses and heartbreak. Their triumph over Punjab Kings in a nail-biting final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was celebrated across Bengaluru.
However, what began as a moment of glory quickly turned into a period of mourning for the families of the 11 victims. The tragic events have now left the franchise not only grieving but also facing legal and reputational consequences just ahead of the 2026 season.