BCCI Calls Emergency Meeting to Address IPL Celebration Safety After Bengaluru Tragedy

The BCCI is set to hold an emergency meeting to formulate safety guidelines for IPL celebrations following a tragic stampede in Bengaluru that claimed 11 lives. The meeting will address the need for clear protocols to prevent future incidents and will also cover various other important topics, including the upcoming New Zealand tour and revisions to the Code of Conduct for players. This response comes after significant backlash against RCB and the state government for their handling of the celebratory event. The meeting aims to ensure better crowd management and safety standards in future celebrations.
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BCCI Calls Emergency Meeting to Address IPL Celebration Safety After Bengaluru Tragedy

BCCI's Urgent Meeting on IPL Celebration Guidelines

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has convened an emergency Apex Council meeting set for June 14, primarily to establish clear protocols for post-title celebrations by Indian Premier League (IPL) teams. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic stampede in Bengaluru on June 4, which resulted in 11 fatalities and over 50 injuries during the celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory.


The agenda for the meeting includes a discussion on the need for formal guidelines regarding IPL victory celebrations, highlighting the board's serious approach to the issue.


Previously, the BCCI criticized the mismanagement that led to the chaos outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where a large crowd of RCB fans had gathered. However, the board distanced itself from the event's organization, asserting it had no involvement in the planning.


After clinching their first IPL title, RCB received a grand welcome in Bengaluru, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah honoring the team at the Vidhana Soudha before they proceeded to the stadium for a fan interaction event.


Despite initial objections from Bengaluru Traffic Police regarding potential traffic issues, RCB announced a celebratory bus procession from Vidhana Soudha to the stadium. Although the procession did not take place, the announcement drew an estimated crowd of 200,000, leading to a stampede at the venue's entrance.


The incident has sparked significant criticism directed at RCB, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and the state government for their inadequate planning and crowd control measures.


On Wednesday, the Karnataka government informed the High Court that RCB and the BCCI had failed to secure necessary approvals for the celebration. The state accused RCB's extensive social media campaign of attracting an overwhelming crowd, while also holding the BCCI partly responsible due to an agreement concerning security and crowd management.


Although the event was intended to be accessible only by pass, the uncontrolled influx of people overwhelmed the arrangements, resulting in panic and the tragic stampede.


In response to the disaster, RCB announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of each deceased victim. Additionally, on June 6, Nikhil Sosale, RCB's marketing head, was arrested for his involvement in the incident.


Additional Topics on the BCCI Agenda

In addition to discussing post-IPL celebration protocols, the Apex Council will address several other important matters.


The tour schedule for New Zealand's visit to India next year, which includes three One-Day Internationals and five T20 Internationals, is expected to be approved.


The domestic cricket calendar for the 2025–26 season is another key topic on the agenda.


The Council will also review an Ombudsman’s ruling related to a complaint from Mr. V. Agam Rao, who has raised concerns about financial irregularities in the allocation of funds for cricket infrastructure in Telangana.


Revisions to the BCCI’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials will be discussed, along with the tournament allowance policy for board employees.


Furthermore, the Council will consider proposed amendments to the Age Verification Programme (AVP) testing rules and discuss the appointment of coaches for umpires and match referees.


Tenders for player registration document verification and domestic match broadcast graphics services will also be included in the agenda.


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