The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to discuss the formulation of norms for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises regarding victory celebrations during its Apex Council meeting scheduled for June 14. The matter has gained urgency following the stampede in Bengaluru that killed 11 people and left over 50 injured during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) post-title celebrations on June 4.
“Discussion regarding IPL victory celebration and the need of formulation of norms” is one of the listed items on the agenda for the emergent meeting.
The BCCI had earlier condemned the mismanagement that led to the stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where thousands gathered to celebrate RCB’s first IPL title. However, the board distanced itself from the incident, stating it had no role in the organisation of the event in Bengaluru.
RCB players brought the IPL trophy home to a hero’s welcome. The Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, felicitated the team at Vidhana Soudha before they moved to the stadium for a fan-engagement event later that evening.
Despite the Bengaluru Traffic Police initially denying permission due to anticipated congestion, the franchise went ahead and announced a celebratory bus parade from Vidhana Soudha to the stadium. The parade did not take place, but an estimated two lakh people still turned up, resulting in a tragic stampede outside the stadium.
The Karnataka government, RCB, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association have faced criticism over the poor planning and execution of the event.
The Karnataka government on Wednesday blamed RCB and the BCCI, telling the High Court that no permission had been sought for the event and the organisers had instead “invited the whole world” through social media. The state government named the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as one of the parties responsible for the incident, arguing that there was an agreement between RCB and BCCI regarding security, gate and ticket management for the event.
Although access to the event was supposed to be restricted via entry passes, an overwhelming number of supporters turned up, leading to chaos outside the stadium.
RCB announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each victim. On June 6, Nikhil Sosale, the franchise’s marketing head, was arrested in connection with the incident.
OTHER ITEMS IN AGENDA
The BCCI Apex Council will also discuss venues for New Zealand’s tour of India, which is scheduled for early next year and includes three ODIs and five T20Is.
Finalising the schedule for the 2025–26 domestic season is another key point of discussion.
The Apex Council will also address an order from the Ombudsman concerning a complaint filed by Mr V. Agam Rao, regarding alleged irregularities in the utilisation of funds meant for cricket infrastructure development in Telangana.
A review of the BCCI Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials is on the table, alongside deliberations on the tournament allowance policy for BCCI employees.
Other agenda items include proposed amendments to the AVP (Age Verification Programme) testing rules and the appointment of coaches for umpires and match referees.
The Apex Council will also consider approvals for tenders related to player registration document verification and broadcast graphics services for domestic matches.
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