New Delhi, India – In the wake of the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL title celebrations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has constituted a three-member panel. The committee’s mandate is to formulate comprehensive guidelines for post-match and victory celebrations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Bengaluru Tragedy: A Catalyst for Change
The stampede, which occurred on June 4, saw an overwhelming crowd of an estimated two lakh fans gather outside the stadium to celebrate RCB’s maiden IPL triumph. Despite warnings from traffic police and a lack of formal permission for a planned parade, the event proceeded, leading to chaos and the fatal crush at the gates. The incident drew sharp criticism towards RCB, their event partners, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). In the aftermath, arrests were made, including RCB’s head of marketing and officials from DNA Entertainment, while KSCA’s secretary and treasurer resigned, taking moral responsibility.
Formation of the Expert Panel
During its 28th Apex Council Meeting held on Saturday, June 14, the BCCI formally announced the establishment of the committee. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia will chair the panel, with vice-president Rajeev Shukla and treasurer Prabhtej Singh Bhatia serving as members. The committee has been given a strict deadline of 15 days to draft and submit its recommendations.
Key Objectives of the Committee
The guidelines formulated by the committee are expected to encompass a wide range of safety protocols and operational standards for public victory events involving cricket teams. These will likely include:
- Crowd Control Measures: Detailed strategies for managing large gatherings, including barricading, entry/exit points, and crowd flow management.
- Stadium Capacity Restrictions: Clear stipulations on the maximum permissible crowd for such events, irrespective of the stadium’s official capacity, considering external gathering areas.
- Emergency Protocols: Robust plans for medical emergencies, first aid stations, ambulance access, and evacuation procedures in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- Coordination with Local Authorities: Emphasizing seamless collaboration with local police, traffic departments, and emergency services for effective event management and immediate response.
- Permission and Planning: Strict requirements for obtaining necessary permissions well in advance and thorough planning for all logistical aspects of celebrations.
- Communication Protocols: Guidelines for effective communication with the public regarding event details, safety instructions, and any changes to plans.
BCCI’s Stance and Future Implications
The BCCI expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of lives in Bengaluru and affirmed its commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur. While the Bengaluru celebration was primarily a franchise-led event, the BCCI acknowledges its responsibility for cricket in India and aims to establish a robust framework for all future victory celebrations, whether organized by franchises or the board itself. The outcome of this committee’s work is expected to significantly impact how cricket victories are celebrated in India, prioritizing fan safety above all else.
