Bengaluru, September 1, 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, has announced a significant initiative, “RCB Cares,” aimed at supporting the families of 11 fans who tragically lost their lives in a stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025. The franchise revealed on August 30, 2025, via its official X account (@RCBTweets), that it will provide ₹25 lakh to each bereaved family as part of this initiative, marking a substantial increase from the initial ₹10 lakh compensation announced shortly after the incident.

The stampede occurred during celebrations following RCB’s historic first IPL title win, a six-run victory over Punjab Kings on June 3, 2025, at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. An estimated crowd of nearly 3 lakh fans gathered outside Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate, leading to severe overcrowding and chaos near the stadium gates. The tragedy claimed 11 lives, including a child, and injured over 50 others, casting a dark shadow over RCB’s long-awaited triumph. The Karnataka government and a formal inquiry later blamed the franchise for inadequate crowd management, with reports highlighting that the stadium’s infrastructure was deemed unsafe for such large gatherings.

In response to the tragedy and subsequent public criticism, RCB launched “RCB Cares” to provide not only financial aid but also long-term support for affected families and the broader fan community. The franchise issued a heartfelt statement: “Our hearts broke on June 4, 2025. We lost eleven members of the RCB family. They were part of us. Part of what makes our city, our community & our team unique. Their absence will echo in the memories of each one of us. No amount of support can ever fill the space they’ve left behind. But as a first step, and with the deepest respect, RCB has extended ₹25 lakh each to their families. Not just as financial aid, but as a promise of compassion, unity, and ongoing care.”

The initiative outlines several key objectives:

• Providing holistic support beyond financial assistance.
• Ensuring safer environments for fans at future events.
• Funding independent research on crowd safety measures.
• Creating opportunities in sports for communities.
• Preserving the memories of fans in meaningful ways.
• Investing in the next generation through sports development.

RCB’s initial response to the tragedy—a brief condolence message and ₹10 lakh per family—drew criticism for being inadequate, with many fans and analysts labeling it as “damage control.” The franchise acknowledged the backlash, noting that their prolonged silence was a period of “grief, listening, and learning.” The enhanced ₹25 lakh compensation and the launch of “RCB Cares” aim to rebuild trust and demonstrate a commitment to accountability. The team emphasized that this is “the beginning of a long-term commitment for meaningful action that begins by honoring their memory.”

The Karnataka government’s inquiry, led by the Deputy Commissioner, highlighted lapses in planning by RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). A report submitted to the Karnataka High Court declared Chinnaswamy Stadium “unsafe” for large gatherings, leading to the relocation of events like the 2025 Maharaja Trophy and Women’s ODI World Cup matches. The state government also announced ₹10 lakh compensation per family and covered medical expenses for the injured, but faced criticism from opposition leaders for poor crowd control measures.

Fans have expressed mixed reactions on X. While some praised RCB’s increased aid and long-term vision, others felt the response was delayed. “Nothing can fill the void of a life lost, but this is the least they can do,” wrote one user. Another post lauded the initiative, with fans welcoming “RCB Cares” as a step toward genuine care and responsibility.

As RCB prepares for the IPL 2026 season, “RCB Cares” aims to strengthen the bond with its “12th Man Army” by prioritizing fan safety and community welfare. More details about the initiative’s rollout are expected soon, with the franchise promising actions that “reflect what the fans feel, expect, and deserve.”