A tragic turn marred the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s homecoming celebrations on Wednesday, as a massive stampede broke out in the city amidst jubilant scenes, leaving 11 dead and many others injured near Chinnaswamy Stadium, where a special felicitation ceremony was organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Academy (KSCA) to honour the RCB players for its maiden IPL victory, ending a 18-year-old long wait. 

Reacting to the heartbreaking incident, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar expressed his sorrow, calling it 'beyond tragic'. "What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all," he wrote on X.

What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all. ?

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 4, 2025

The disaster unfolded as fans packed the streets in large numbers to greet the newly-crowned IPL champions, who had returned victorious after a thrilling win over Punjab Kings in Tuesday night’s final. However, the atmosphere of celebration quickly descended into chaos, with endless crowds jostling for space and police attempting to control the mob using batons.