Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Virat
Kohli has spoken for the first time on the stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in June that left 11 dead and 75 injured. The stampede came at a time when RCB had won their first IPL title in 18 years.
"Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th. What should’ve been the happiest moment in our franchise’s history - turned into something tragic.
"I’ve been thinking of and praying for the families of those we lost and for our fans who were injured. Your loss is part of our story now.
"Together, we will move forward with care, respect and responsibility," said Kohli via the Royal Challengers Bengaluru website.
Kohli's reaction comes in the aftermath of RCB ending their social media silence as well besides announcing Rs 25 lakh compensation for families of the victims. The franchise also announced that they would be establishing a memorial in the city to honour the fans and released a six-point manifesto to ensure something like this doesn't happen again.
In the one-man judicial commission report by retired Karnataka HC judge Justice Michael D’Cunha, the organisers have been found primarily responsible for violating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for public events. Subsequently, the venue was labelled 'unsafe' and 'unsuitable' for large-scale gatherings.
As a result, the Women's World Cup matches have been moved from Bengaluru to Navi Mumbai. Even the local Maharaja T20 Trophy was moved from Bengaluru to Mysuru.
Karnataka government has put the onus on the organisers, including RCB, the event management firm DNA Entertainment Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), for the Bengaluru stampede.
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