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Nearly three months after the June 4 stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium that killed 11 fans, RCB returns with an emotional message and a fund to support victims’ families.
After nearly three months of silence, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have returned to social media with a heartfelt message and the launch of a new initiative, “RCB Cares”, aimed at honouring fans and supporting families affected by the June 4 stampede tragedy.
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The incident occurred when thousands of supporters gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate RCB’s maiden IPL title. A stampede claimed 11 lives and left 56 others injured, even as festivities continued inside the venue. The contrast between celebrations and chaos drew widespread outrage and heavy criticism, particularly after RCB remained largely silent in the aftermath.
While the franchise had announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for each deceased family and medical assistance for the injured, fans and the Karnataka government demanded greater accountability. The state officially placed responsibility for the incident on RCB, deepening the scrutiny.
On Thursday, the team addressed its fanbase, known as the “12th Man Army,” with a candid social media post: “The silence wasn’t absence. It was grief… June 4th changed everything. That day broke our hearts, and the silence since then has been our way of holding space.” The statement explained that “RCB Cares” was born out of grief and reflection, intended as a platform for healing, solidarity, and meaningful action shaped by fans themselves.
Dear 12th Man Army, this is our heartfelt letter to you!
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) August 28, 2025
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.
The Silence wasn’t Absence. It was Grief.
This space was once filled with energy, memories and moments that you… pic.twitter.com/g0lOXAuYbd
The tragedy has left long-lasting scars not only on families but also on the reputation of the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Following an inquiry, the stadium was declared unfit to host major events. In a further blow, the ICC dropped Bengaluru as a venue for next month’s Women’s ODI World Cup, replacing it with Mumbai due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
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By launching RCB Cares, the franchise hopes to rebuild trust with its community. The initiative is presented not as a celebration, but as a commitment: “To share. To stand with you. To walk forward, together. To continue being the pride of Karnataka.”
