BCCI Was Not Informed About Karnataka Government’s Felicitation Plans for RCB, Says IPL Chairman
Bengaluru, India – June 4, 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was not informed in advance about the Karnataka government’s plans to felicitate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team following their historic IPL 2025 victory, according to Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Arun Dhumal.
In a revelation that has sparked debate within Indian cricket administration circles, Dhumal stated that the felicitation ceremony organized by the state government on Sunday was conducted without any prior consultation with either the BCCI or IPL authorities.
“The BCCI was not officially informed about the felicitation event planned by the Karnataka government. Typically, for such public events involving an IPL franchise—especially during the off-season or near the conclusion of the tournament—formal coordination with the Board is expected,” Dhumal said during a press briefing in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The felicitation event, held at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, saw thousands of RCB fans gather to celebrate the team’s maiden Indian Premier League title. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar were present to honor the players and support staff. However, the event turned tragic due to crowd mismanagement, leading to a stampede that claimed three lives and left several others injured.
Safety Oversight Under Scrutiny
Dhumal expressed condolences for the lives lost and emphasized the need for close coordination between state authorities and sports governing bodies to ensure public safety during mass gatherings. “It is deeply unfortunate. While we understand the enthusiasm of fans and appreciate the state’s efforts to celebrate the team, such events require meticulous planning and communication with all stakeholders—especially when public safety is at stake,” he added.
The IPL Chairman also clarified that while franchise teams are privately owned, they operate under the regulatory framework of the BCCI, particularly when participating in public events or official ceremonies associated with the league.
A Historic Victory Marred by Tragedy
RCB’s victory in IPL 2025 ended a long title drought since the team’s inception. Celebrations erupted across Karnataka and among the team’s global fan base. However, the tragedy at the felicitation event has somewhat overshadowed the momentous achievement, raising serious questions about preparedness and protocol.
Next Steps
While the BCCI has not indicated any punitive action, sources suggest that the Board may soon issue new guidelines for all IPL franchises concerning public events—especially those involving state governments or large fan gatherings.
As of now, neither the Karnataka government nor the RCB franchise has officially responded to Dhumal’s remarks, but an internal review is reportedly underway to determine how the event was authorized without prior consultation with the BCCI.
