'If RCB had won in first few years, there would…': Sunil Gavaskar's blunt take on deadly Bengaluru stampede

Batting great and former India captain Sunil Gavaskar feels that if RCB had managed to win the IPL trophy in the initial years of the tournament, the reaction might not have been as overwhelming as it was after the prolonged wait of 18 years. Gavaskar has conveyed his profound sorrow following the unfortunate stampede incident that occurred outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB's victory celebration. This tragic event resulted in the loss of 11 lives during what should have been a joyous celebration of RCB's historic maiden IPL title triumph. Gavaskar expressed his deep sadness over the mismanagement that contributed to this tragedy, where a large gathering of fans hoping to partake in the team's victory celebrations led to a stampede near the stadium on Wednesday, tragically claiming 11 lives and leaving over 50 people injured.

Sunil Gavaskar on Bengaluru stampede

Gavaskar acknowledged the intense emotions of the RCB fans, who had waited for an extended period of 18 years to witness and celebrate their team’s first-ever IPL title. Despite the tragic circumstances, the esteemed former cricketer, who was also part of the commentary team during the IPL season, commended the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for their exceptional performance throughout the season, which ultimately culminated in their long-awaited maiden title win.

“If RCB had won the Trophy in the first few years, there would not have been this outpouring of emotion as happened after the long wait of 18 years. Other teams have won but their celebrations have been a lot less frenetic maybe because their fans didn’t have to wait this long. The slogan ‘Ee saala cup naamde’ seemed to be like a millstone around the necks of the team. This year, when that slogan was barely heard, the team played some superb cricket, most of it away from their fans," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid Day.

Gavaskar noted that the large gathering of fans outside the stadium was a testament to their appreciation and desire to give the team a special ovation for their exceptional efforts on the field. Amidst the celebrations, he also expressed his deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all those who tragically lost their loved ones in the devastating stampede incident, acknowledging the profound pain and sorrow experienced by the affected families.

“They won every single game they played away, which is a new record in the IPL. No wonder the home fans wanted to give them a special ovation. Heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones. Prayers of the fans can change fortunes, and there’s no doubt that the prayers of their loved ones made a contribution to bringing that elusive Cup to Bengaluru,” Gavaskar added.

The 75-year-old concluded by reiterating the profound tragedy of the stampede, while also underscoring the unwavering affection that RCB fans hold for their team. He stated that RCB's performance over the preceding two months had brought immense joy and excitement to their supporters, and finally culminated in the long-awaited victory of their first IPL title, making the loss of life all the more heartbreaking.

“What a tragedy? The loss of lives due to a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium is heartbreaking indeed. All that those people wanted was a glimpse of the players who had given them so much joy and happiness over the years, especially in the last two months. The IPL Trophy, which they kept hoping would be theirs every year but never did, was finally coming to them after a wait of 18 years," he concluded.

RCB drew a lot of flak for proceeding with their victory celebrations merely a day after securing their IPL title. This timing is believed to have provided insufficient time for the administration and police forces to establish adequate security measures for an event of such magnitude, raising concerns about the safety protocols in place. In response to the tragic incident, the newly crowned champions have announced a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the eleven who tragically lost their lives in the stampede.