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Key Points

The BCCI has formed a high-level committee led by secretary Devajit Saikia to prevent future stampedes like the Bengaluru tragedy. This comes after 11 fans died during RCB's victory celebrations outside Chinnaswamy Stadium. The committee includes vice-president Rajeev Shukla and treasurer Prabhtej Bhatia with a 15-day deadline. Meanwhile, the BCCI also created new groups to train umpires and match referees.

Key Points: BCCI Forms Saikia-Led Committee After Bengaluru Stampede Tragedy

  • Committee includes Rajeev Shukla and Prabhtej Bhatia
  • RCB marketing head arrested post-stampede
  • KSCA top officials resigned
  • New umpire coaches group formed
2 min read

Saikia to chair BCCI Committee for setting guidelines to prevent Bengaluru stampede-like incidents

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia to head panel for stadium safety guidelines after 11 deaths in RCB victory stampede.

"The Apex Council expressed its profound grief over the tragic incidents in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru - BCCI Statement"

New Delhi, June 14

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said it has formed a committee, to be headed by Secretary Devajit Saikia, which will be tasked to formulate guidelines in 15 days to prevent incidents like the Bengaluru stampede in future. The committee also has vice-president Rajeev Shukla and treasurer Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as other members.

The decision taken in the 28th BCCI Apex Council meeting held on Saturday comes in the aftermath of the stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the victory celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 4, a day after it won the Indian Premier League 2025 final in Ahmedabad. With nearly two lakh fans trying to enter the stadium, a stampede occurred outside the gates that led to 11 tragic deaths and 33 fans being injured.

The happenings outside Chinnaswamy had led to arrests of RCB marketing head Nikhil Sosale, who is out on bail, as well as of DNA Entertainment Networks officials. It also led to Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Secretary A Shankar and Treasurer E.S. Jairam resigning from their respective posts on June 6.

“The Apex Council expressed its profound grief over the tragic incidents in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, which led to the unfortunate loss of innocent lives. In light of the incident that occurred during the victory celebrations in Bengaluru, the Apex Council has decided to constitute a committee to formulate comprehensive guidelines aimed at preventing such occurrences in the future. The committee will formulate the guidelines within 15 days,” said the BCCI in a statement.

The Apex Council also said it has established a working Group of five umpire coaches to oversee the development of umpires and enhance their on-field performance. “These five ‘Umpire Coaches’ must possess international umpiring experience and have served as former umpires,” said the BCCI.

Additionally, the Apex Council has further decided to form a Working Group consisting of three former Match Referees. “This Working Group will be responsible for monitoring the development of match referees and providing them with opportunities to improve their performance in cricket matches,” added the BCCI.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some action! The Bengaluru incident was heartbreaking. BCCI should have had these safety protocols years ago. Hope the committee includes crowd management experts, not just cricket administrators. Better late than never though 🙏
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Priya M.
Why only 15 days for such an important task? Safety guidelines need thorough discussion with police, stadium authorities and disaster management teams. Rushing this might lead to incomplete solutions. Safety first, speed second!
A
Arjun S.
Good initiative but BCCI should also compensate victims' families. 11 lives lost because of poor planning - no guidelines can bring them back. Cricket is religion in India, but safety should be sacred too.
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Sunita R.
The umpire and match referee groups are welcome moves too! Our domestic cricket needs better standards all around. Maybe next they can look at improving stadium facilities for women and differently-abled fans?
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Vikram J.
Typical Indian reaction - form committees after tragedy strikes. We had similar stampedes during Kumbh Mela, railway stations...when will we learn to be proactive? Still, kudos to BCCI for at least taking some responsibility.
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Neha P.
Hope they consult international experts too! Countries like England/Australia handle huge cricket crowds safely. We should learn from best practices instead of reinventing the wheel. #SafetyMatters 💙

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