Gautam Gambhir Slams RCB for Celebration Amid Bengaluru Stampede Tragedy
“What Are We Celebrating?”: Gambhir Questions RCB’s Timing
Speaking to the media, Gautam Gambhir expressed outrage over the timing of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s post-season celebrations. “Seven people lost their lives outside the very stadium RCB calls home, and yet we saw celebration videos circulating online. What are we celebrating exactly?” he asked.
His statement comes after a tragic stampede took place on June 4 during a ticket rush outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed seven lives and left many injured.
Call for Accountability and Sensitivity
Gambhir emphasized the need for sensitivity and introspection in the world of professional sports. “This is not just about RCB, it’s about our culture of insensitivity. We must reflect on whether winning a few games justifies such disregard for human loss,” he said.
He urged franchises, players, and boards to take responsibility not just for the game, but for the people who make the game what it is — its fans.
Stampede Casts Shadow Over IPL Celebrations
The stampede occurred amid heightened excitement for an upcoming high-profile match, as massive crowds gathered to secure tickets. Poor crowd control and limited access points reportedly triggered the deadly chaos.
Despite the tragedy, RCB proceeded with celebratory posts and public messaging, leading to widespread backlash on social media and among cricketing figures.
Fans Deserve More Than Just Cricket: Gambhir
In a strongly worded remark, Gambhir reminded the cricketing community of their duty toward fans. “Cricket is nothing without its supporters. When they suffer or die for the game they love, the least we can do is stand in silence, not dance in victory,” he concluded.
His comments have reignited debate on how cricket franchises and governing bodies should balance on-field achievements with off-field responsibility, especially in times of public tragedy.
