A day after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Indian Premier League victory celebrations led to the death of 11 persons and injuries to 47 others at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, India head coach Gautam Gambhir said that the road show should not have been organised if the arrangements weren’t fool-proof.
“I was never a believer that we need to have roadshows. Even when I was playing, I had the same statement to make. After winning the 2007 [T20 World Cup], I felt that we should not have roadshows. The lives of the people are far more important, and I will continue to say that. Even in future, I think we can be a little bit aware and not hold these roadshows,” Gambhir said on Thursday.
The tragedy unfolded near the gates of the stadium, where over two lakh fans had gathered to mark RCB’s historic first title win in 18 years. Overcrowding and narrow passageways led to a deadly rush.
“We can have it (the celebrations) under closed doors, or a low-profile affair inside a stadium. But it is very tragic what happened yesterday, and my heart goes out to the families of people who lost their loved ones. I hope that in future, nothing like this happens because we are all responsible citizens,” Gambhir said, adding: “You can’t, at any point, lose 11 people. For me, the roadshow should not have happened…”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the families of the deceased and free treatment to the injured persons. An FIR has been filed against RCB, Karnataka State Cricket Association and event management company DNA.
“I don’t think I am in a position to hold anyone responsible. Winning and celebrations are important. But lives matter more. If we are not prepared, we should not do road shows,” the head coach said.
Gambhir was part of two open-bus victory parades during his career – once with the Indian team in Mumbai, after it won the 2007 T20 World Cup, and once with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012.
And, putting his point of view format, he made it clear that if the infrastructure is not ready to handle an event of such magnitude, it’s better to not go ahead with such shows.
“It does not matter how big or small the fan base is. It does not matter who I hold responsible. Like I said, even when I was playing, I wasn’t a believer in such road shows. I stand by it today and in the future too. Yes, winning is important, and celebrations are important, but more important are the lives of people. So, if you are not ready or suited to handle that kind of crowd, then you might as well cancel these roadshows,” he said.
