Bengaluru, June 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Karnataka government on Thursday submitted, in a sealed cover, a comprehensive report on the June 4 Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede case, which claimed 11 lives, to the Karnataka High Court even as it questioned the state about the multiple inquiry commissions set up to probe the tragedy.

A Division Bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice V. Kameshwara Rao and Justice C.M. Joshi, which had taken suo motu cognisance of the matter, further instructed the prosecution to keep all communication, both prior and subsequent to the stampede incident, in the custody of the Chief Secretary of Karnataka.

The bench questioned the probe being carried out by multiple agencies into the stampede incident, as per the state government's directions. It warned Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty about the possibility of different findings. "We will not spare you if the findings by different commissions are different," it said.

The bench also directed the prosecution to submit the terms of reference provided to the various commissions probing the stampede incident. The Advocate General submitted that these would be provided within two days.

The government had ordered a magisterial probe, an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and a one-man Judicial Commission inquiry into the stampede case.

On June 5, the High Court sought a report from the state government on the lapses and other details concerning the stampede. Taking cognisance of the incident, the High Court registered a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

Expressing concern over the tragedy, the bench had questioned the government on whether the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were followed and if adequate guidelines were framed to handle the situation at the Chinnaswamy Stadium during the victory celebrations.

It further sought to know the total number of gates to the Chinnaswamy Stadium and how many were opened during the celebration to grant entry to fans. The Bench also questioned the absence of medical facilities at the spot and the lack of ambulances to shift those who fell sick.

The court asked whether all the deaths occurred at the gates of the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Shetty, representing the government, submitted the available report on the tragedy, stating that while the seating capacity of the Chinnaswamy Stadium is 35,000, about 2.5 lakh people had gathered. He informed the court that normally, 700 police personnel are deputed to monitor the crowd during cricket matches, but during the celebration event, the Police Department had deputed 1,600 personnel to control the crowd.

People from across the state and Tamil Nadu had come to participate in the event, which led to the tragedy, he said. He further informed the court that there are 21 gates to the Chinnaswamy Stadium and, as per the information available with the government, all of them remained open.

However, senior counsel G.R. Mohan submitted that only three gates remained open during the celebration event at the stadium. Senior counsel Hemanth Raj argued that there was no need for the state government to felicitate the RCB players, as they had not played for the country. He submitted that since two programmes were allowed on a single day, the tragedy occurred.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Karnataka High Court on Thursday ordered the interim release of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Marketing Head Nikhil Sosale and three others associated with DNA Entertainment Networks Private Ltd in connection with the June 4 Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede case, which claimed 11 lives.

The DNA Entertainment Networks Private Ltd staffers are Sunil Mathew, S. Kiran Kumar, and N.P. Shamant Mavinakere.

A bench of Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar allowed their petitions challenging the arrests but directed them to surrender their passports.

The four had been arrested in connection with the stampede incident, and they are currently lodged in the Bengaluru Central Prison.

The High Court on Wednesday reserved its judgment on the petitions.

The CID, which has taken over the investigation, had sought their custody.

Counsels for the petitioners submitted that their arrest was against the law and was carried out following instructions from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. They also argued that the arrests were illegally made by the government to escape blame for the tragic stampede incident.

Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, representing the state government, stated that it is incorrect to claim the arrests were made following the Chief Minister's directions. Quoting earlier Supreme Court orders and verdicts, he submitted that standard guidelines were followed by the police during the arrests.

The AG further stated that the petitioners had provided false information to the court. He added that the arrested individuals were also provided written reasons for their arrests. He pleaded that the court should not grant them any interim relief or pass release orders.

He also submitted that the RCB franchise is a cash-rich, billion-dollar company.

At this, the bench intervened, observing that there is no connection between the case and the company's wealth.

The AG further submitted that the accused were arrested when they attempted to escape to a different state. He alleged that they had made social media posts on X to draw people to the event and were responsible for the deaths of 11 people.

DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt Ltd, named as an accused in the FIR by the Karnataka police in the stampede case, approached the High Court on Monday seeking the quashing of the FIR against it.

DNA submitted to the court that the plan to hold the celebration event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was made by the government and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The government itself had invited people to participate in the celebration.

The RCB franchise had earlier approached the HC seeking to quash the criminal case lodged against them in the stampede case.

Elaborating on the RCB's preparations to hold the event, the petition stated that extensive discussions were held with the DNA Event Management firm and the officials of the KSCA.

The petition further underlined that the police gave oral confirmation for the victory parade and celebrations on June 4. RCB had announced that entry to the stadium was strictly upon registration on the official website and the issuance of passes. This was done to restrict the crowd to the limited capacity of the stadium, it stated.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday reserved its judgment on the petitions submitted by four arrested staffers of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and DNA Private Event Management firm, challenging the police action against them in connection with the June 4 Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede case, which claimed 11 lives.

The pleas were filed by Nikhil Sosale, the Marketing Head of RCB, along with Sunil Matthew, Kiran, and Sumanth from DNA Event Management, who were arrested in connection with the case and are currently lodged at the Bengaluru Central Prison.

The CID, which has taken over the investigation, is seeking their custody.

A bench, headed by Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar, reserved judgment and posted the matter for Thursday at 2.30 pm.

Counsels for the petitioners submitted that their arrest was against the law and was carried out following instructions from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. They also argued that the arrests were illegally made by the government to escape blame for the tragic stampede incident.

Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, representing the state government, stated that it is incorrect to claim the arrests were made following the Chief Minister's directions. Quoting earlier Supreme Court orders and verdicts, he submitted that standard guidelines were followed by the police during the arrests.

The AG further stated that the petitioners had provided false information to the court. He added that the arrested individuals were also provided written reasons for their arrests. He pleaded that the court should not grant them any interim relief or pass release orders.

He also submitted that the RCB franchise is a cash-rich, billion-dollar company.

At this, the bench intervened, observing that there is no connection between the case and the company's wealth.

The AG further submitted that the accused were arrested when they attempted to escape to a different state. He alleged that they had made social media posts on X to draw people to the event and were responsible for the deaths of 11 people.

DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt Ltd, named as an accused in the FIR by the Karnataka police in the stampede case, approached the High Court on Monday seeking the quashing of the FIR against it.

DNA submitted to the court that the plan to hold the celebration event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was made by the government and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The government itself had invited people to participate in the celebration.

The RCB franchise had earlier approached the HC seeking to quash the criminal case lodged against them in the stampede case.

Elaborating on the RCB's preparations to hold the event, the petition stated that extensive discussions were held with the DNA Event Management firm and the officials of the KSCA.

The petition further underlined that the police gave oral confirmation for the victory parade and celebrations on June 4. RCB had announced that entry to the stadium was strictly upon registration on the official website and the issuance of passes. This was done to restrict the crowd to the limited capacity of the stadium, it stated.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, responding to allegations by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and the BJP that police officials have been made scapegoats in the stampede tragedy near Chinnaswamy Stadium during a felicitation programme for the RCB, in which 11 persons were killed, accused the opposition parties of politicising the issue.

Speaking to reporters, the CM said: "I will not politicise this case."

"Action has been taken against those who, on the surface, failed to discharge their responsibilities," Siddaramaiah maintained.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, lashing out at Kumaraswamy for his comments on the stampede, said that he would reveal in the Assembly session the number of families that have shed tears due to the JD-S leader.

“Let’s discuss in the session as to how many families have shed tears because of Kumaraswamy and how many families’ tears he has wiped,” he retorted while speaking to reporters at Nehru Planetarium here.

Asked about the opposition’s charge that Shivakumar’s greed for image building has resulted in the stampede tragedy, he said: "I don’t need any additional branding, I have enough reputation given by the people. RCB fans wanted to celebrate the victory of their favourite team. Let’s talk about how the JD-S criticised us for not allowing the victory parade and how they took a U-turn after the stampede. They are doing politics over dead bodies, we will not stoop to his level. We are sincere in our politics."

“My eyes welled up as I was emotional, but they are criticising that as well. Let them do it. How can they point fingers at me? How can I be responsible for this tragedy?" he asked.

Asked about the Opposition’s demand for his resignation, taking responsibility for the stampede, he quipped: "They are Opposition parties, let them ask. We will try and fulfil their desires."

Talking about criticism on participating in the victory celebration ceremony at the stadium, he said: "The Karnataka State Cricket Association organised the event. I am the Minister for Bengaluru Development. Some officials informed me that the programme needed to be cut short to 10 minutes as the situation was getting out of control, hence, I went to the stadium. What is wrong with that? I went to the HAL airport to welcome the players and explain to them about the stance of the city police not to hold a victory parade. Is there something wrong with that?"

Asked about continuing with the victory celebration at Vidhana Soudha even after many deaths occurred due to the stampede, he clarified that they did not have any information about the tragedy at the time.

To a question on the opposition criticism of suspending police officials instead of his resigning, he said: "The CM has taken this decision in the interest of the people. We will discuss who has resigned when some other time. The decision was taken after a Cabinet meeting. Some people have the habit of blabbering something."

Asked why Kumaraswamy was targeting him, Shivakumar said: "He loves me very much. The feeling is mutual. That is why he is asking for the resignation... we will entertain his request."

Karnataka BJP and JD(S) on Friday claimed that the image war between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar resulted in the stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Squarely blaming them for the incident, both parties have demanded their resignations.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) A police complaint has been lodged against cricketer Virat Kohli on Friday in Bengaluru in connection with the stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium during a felicitation programme for RCB, which claimed 11 lives.

The complaint was filed with the Cubbon Park police station by A.M. Venkatesh, representing the Naija Horatagaarara Vedike. The police have accepted the complaint, which seeks action against the celebrity cricketer. Venkatesh was informed that his complaint would be considered for investigation along with the FIR already lodged in this regard.

More details are yet to emerge regarding this.

The Karnataka Police, in the FIR lodged regarding the stampede, stated that the accused parties -- RCB franchise, event management firm DNA, and the KSCA Administrative Committee -- organised the victory celebration without the necessary permissions.

The FIR has been registered under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 118(1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by using dangerous weapons or means), 118(2) read with Section 3(5) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt, when the act is done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), 190 (unlawful assembly), 132 (criminal force to deter a public servant), 125(a) (filing false affidavit), and 125(b) (rash and negligent acts that endanger human life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Meanwhile, two additional cases have been registered at the Cubbon Park police station regarding the stampede incident. Based on a complaint filed by Roland Gomes, who was injured in the stampede and treated as an inpatient at a hospital, a case has been filed against the RCB franchise, KSCA, and DNA under Section 125(a) of the BNS.

In his complaint, Gomes said: "I saw the RCB post on social media and came with my friends to watch the celebration. It was announced that there would be a procession with an open bus. When I was entering through Gate Number 17, there was a huge rush, and my shoulder joint got dislocated.”

Meanwhile, a BJP delegation visited the Cubbon Park Police Station and filed a complaint demanding the registration of an FIR against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivkumar.

Talking to the media after lodging the complaint, BJP MLC N. Ravikumar said: “I demand that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister take responsibility for the deaths and the ensuing chaos caused by the stampede during the recent RCB victory celebration in the city. If they have any morality, respect for the constitution, and democracy, they should resign.”

He questioned why innocent police officers, who did nothing wrong, are being made scapegoats, alleging that the police, including suspended Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda, had advised against holding the event and suggested organising it after 3-4 days, but their advice was ignored.

He accused the government, the Chief Minister, and the Deputy Chief Minister of being responsible for all the chaos, the deaths of 11 people, and 50-60 people being hospitalised.

Ravikumar also objected to the government initiating three separate investigations.

BJP state General Secretary P. Rajeev alleged that the government's decision to proceed with the event despite the police department stating they couldn't manage security was an abuse of power. He questioned why public taxpayer money was spent on their victory celebration.

He claimed that even though the intelligence department had warned about a large crowd, the authorities gave permission.

BJP state chief spokesperson Ashwathnarayan, State Convener of cells S. Dattatri, District Presidents S. Harish, Saptagiri Gowda, Legal Cell convenor Vasanthkumar, and other prominent leaders were present.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Karnataka High Court on Friday provided relief from coercive action to the office-bearers of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), who were facing the prospect of arrest in connection with the stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium during a felicitation programme for the RCB, in which 11 persons were killed.

Meanwhile, taking up the petition filed by Malavika Naik, questioning the arrest of her husband Nikhil Sosale, the Marketing Head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the high court adjourned the matter to June 9 without providing any relief from the arrest.

The single-judge bench of Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar, hearing a petition seeking the quashing of FIRs against the office bearers of the KSCA, passed an interim order, directing the police not to initiate any forceful action against the KCSE's President, Raghuram Bhat, Secretary A. Shankar, and Treasurer E.S. Jayaram.

However, the court opined that the investigation into the case could be continued and asked the KSCA office-bearers to cooperate and not to leave the court's jurisdiction.

Advocate General K. Shashi Kiran Shetty, representing the state, submitted that only necessary arrests are being made following the lodging of FIRs.

The senior counsels representing the KSCA office bearers demanded that the FIRs against their clients be quashed. They submitted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself had given directions to arrest the RCB franchise representatives and KSCA office bearers, and also argued that the due legal procedure was not followed while making arrests.

They further submitted that new FIRs were being lodged against KSCA office bearers and that they needed protection. They highlighted that Sosale was taken into custody at 4.30 a.m. by the police, which, they claimed, was against the law. They also pointed out that the complainant in the case, the Police Inspector of Cubbon Park, had been suspended.

The bench questioned how the arrests in the case could be against the law, stating that an FIR is lodged first, and then arrests are made, which is lawful. It also questioned the Advocate General about the investigation into the stampede case being conducted by three agencies simultaneously: a magisterial probe, a judicial probe by a retired High Court Judge, and an investigation by the CID. The Advocate General agreed that three agencies were probing the incident.

The bench noted that making arrests without evidence would not be correct.

The KSCA had filed a writ petition with the High Court on Friday, challenging the state government's decision to file an FIR against the association's office bearers for the stampede and claiming that the government is trying to shift the blame onto them to escape public outrage.

In its writ, the KSCA submitted that the filing of an FIR against them and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's issuance of arrest orders at a press conference are against the law.

It argued that the state government organised the felicitation event at Vidhana Soudha and called for fans to participate.

Furthermore, the KSCA claimed that crowd management is not its responsibility.

It alleged that by suspending police officers, the government has acknowledged its mistakes and is now making allegations to safeguard its own image and that of its ministers.

The writ petition also highlighted that CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar were themselves at the forefront of the programme held at Vidhana Soudha to felicitate RCB players, with Shivakumar even receiving the players at HAL airport.

The KSCA asserted that it only manages matters related to cricket games, while the responsibility of crowd management at the gates of Chinnaswamy Stadium lies with the RCB and the police.

Meanwhile, social activist Snehamayi Krishna has submitted a petition to the Chief Justice of Karnataka demanding that based on the FIR lodged at the Cubbon Park police station, the responsible police officials, CM Siddaramaiah, Dy CM Shivakumar must be named as accused and legal action should be initiated against them to ensure a fair probe. He has also demanded that the Chief Justice monitor the investigation.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Following the death of 11 people in a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the IPL 2025 victory celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 4, the Bengaluru Police on Friday arrested four officials, including the marketing head of the franchise.

The Bengaluru police on Friday arrested RCB’s Marketing and Revenue head Nikhil Sosale who was waiting to board a flight to Mumbai from the Kempegowda International Airport. The police also arrested Kiran Kumar (Senior Event Manager) and Sunil Mathew (Vice President - Business Affairs), who were working for DNA Entertainment Network, the event management company in charge of the victory celebrations.

Sosale has been RCB’s marketing and revenue head for over two years now. Apart from his IPL commitments, he also leads the brand and business endeavours of RCB in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Sosale was originally employed by Diageo India, the current operator of United Spirits Limited (USL), which owns RCB after Vijay Mallya’s exit.

An alumnus of James Cook University in Queensland, Australia, Sosale being in RCB’s marketing and business strategy side of things means he may had a strong role to play in the arrangement of a bus parade and the celebrations in the stadium to celebrate the franchise’s first-ever IPL title, as well as in negotiating with the police and government authorities.

Sosale has also been seen countless times on TV when RCB’s matches are on and was spotted many times in the franchise’s pictures posted on social media. In terms of Kiran, he has been the Senior Event Manager at DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt Ltd., and has worked in the company since June 2012.

On the other hand, Sunil is currently the vice president of business affairs at DNA, a company where he has been employed since June 2000. Another official of the DNA team who has been arrested is Sumanth, who leads the ticketing operations of the events organised by the company.

Apart from the arrested four individuals, there is also a lookout for Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Secretary A Shankar and Treasurer Jayaram, apart from other RCB and DNA officials who have played a part in the decision-making of the events which ultimately made a glorious day of celebration into a tragic evening.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, June 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) A potential stampede situation was averted during the flash celebrations in Hyderabad late on Tuesday night over Royal Challengers Bangalore’s victory in the Indian Premier League, city police said on Wednesday.

Thousands of people came out on the streets late on Tuesday night, leading to traffic jams.

Following the stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations in Bangalore, which claimed 11 lives and left several others injured, visuals of the celebrations in Hyderabad emerged on social media.

According to police, over 20,000 people gathered from Secretariat Road to IMAX circle, which led to a massive traffic jam. Ambulances were stuck, and the public faced inconvenience. However, the police responded swiftly and firmly, averted a potential stampede situation, and safeguarded many lives.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner C. V. Anand also took to X to share his concern over the way the fans suddenly came out on the roads for the celebrations.

"Watching and hearing about the stampede in Bangalore made me wonder where we are going ! This is not a national team winning the World Cup ! It’s a mere franchise called RCB which works on commercial lines and does not have a single Hyderabad player in it !? It’s not even a Hyderabad based team,” said the Commissioner, who himself is a former cricketer.

"The night round officers were totally taken by surprise at 12 in the midnight as hordes of youngsters and revellers descended on Tank bund, NTR Marg and Necklace road and behaved in an unruly manner, sample of which you can see in the videos below, quite alarmingly. Traffic got jammed in all directions. Seeing the situation and the hooliganism, extra forces were rushed and a lathi charge done to disperse the unruly crowd," wrote Anand, who posted a couple of videos of the celebrations.

“From a police officer’s perspective, this unannounced celebrations on the streets by large gatherings are a big danger to public safety and may lead to exactly what we saw in Bengaluru. What if there were some deaths in Hyderabad too? Can anyone expect celebrations for RCB in Hyderabad city ! But with the social media playing a huge role across the country and the globe, perhaps police has to be alert for everyone and everything in future ! Is it humanely possible to do so - is what I am.”

Source: IANS

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Howrah, June 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former India cricketer and TMC MLA Manoj Tiwari has called the stampede outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium a “heartbreaking and deeply upsetting” tragedy that could have been avoided with better planning and foresight.

His statement came in the aftermath of Wednesday's horrific incident, where 11 fans lost their lives and several others were injured while trying to witness Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL title celebration.

“What happened yesterday was an extremely tragic incident. None of us could have imagined this. The fans who came to celebrate the victory would never have dreamt that they’d lose their lives. While celebrations were going on inside, people were dying outside. Someone must take responsibility,” Tiwari told IANS.

He strongly criticised the authorities and organisers for rushing the event without assessing the risks of a massive public turnout. “Couldn’t the celebration have been held after a day or two? That would have given enough time to prepare properly. You have to anticipate the scale of emotion and the number of people who would come,” he said.

Recalling how celebrations were handled after Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL win in 2012, Tiwari said, “Our Chief Minister back then, Manohar Rao, waited two days before hosting a celebration. That’s the kind of experienced leadership that prevents tragedies. I did not see such planning or foresight here.”

Tiwari also called for accountability from all stakeholders — the state government, police, security personnel and RCB’s management. “Human life must always come before celebrations. This is not just a lapse; it is a failure of collective responsibility.”

To mark RCB’s historic IPL title win, thousands of supporters had gathered outside Chinnaswamy Stadium to catch a glimpse of their heroes, including Virat Kohli — the face of the franchise since 2008. The team, having landed in Bengaluru earlier in the afternoon, was given a special reception at Vidhana Soudha by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, before heading to the stadium.

But what began as a moment of triumph quickly turned to tragedy. According to eyewitnesses, the crowd surged and chaos broke out as fans tried to force their way through the gates. Police struggled to control the swelling numbers, and reports suggest that lathi charges were carried out to disperse the crowd. The celebrations were abruptly curtailed.

In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the government will bear the full medical costs of all the injured, whether treated in government or private hospitals. "Orders have been issued to the Health Department and Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) to ensure this without delay," he said.

Additionally, a Magisterial Inquiry has been ordered. The Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban District has been appointed to lead the investigation and submit a report within 15 days. Based on the findings, Siddaramaiah said, “appropriate action will be taken".

The Karnataka Police have registered 11 Unnatural Death (UDR) cases in connection with the fatalities, but no FIR has yet been filed. The Cubbon Park Police Station is handling the matter and investigations are ongoing.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Karnataka High Court on Thursday sought a report from the Congress-led Karnataka government on the lapses and other details concerning the stampede incident near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people.

Taking cognisance of the stampede incident, the high court registered a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and sought a report from the state government.

A division bench, headed by acting Chief Justice V. Kameshwar Rao, expressing concern over the tragedy, questioned the government on whether the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were followed and if adequate guidelines were framed to handle the situation at the Chinnaswamy Stadium during the victory celebrations.

It further sought to know the total number of gates to the Chinnaswamy Stadium and sought to know how many were opened during the celebration to grant entry to fans. The bench also questioned the absence of medical facilities at the spot and the lack of ambulances to shift those who fell sick.

The court asked whether all the deaths occurred at the gates of the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The acting Chief Justice directed the government to submit a comprehensive status report in connection with the tragedy and adjourned the matter to June 10.

Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, representing the government, submitted the report on the tragedy, stating that while the seating capacity of the Chinnaswamy Stadium is 35,000, about 2.5 lakh people had gathered. He informed the court that normally, 700 police personnel are deputed to monitor the crowd during cricket matches, but during the celebration event, the department had deputed 1,600 police personnel to control the crowd.

People from across the state and Tamil Nadu had come to participate in the event, which led to the tragedy, he said. He further informed the court that there are 21 gates to the Chinnaswamy Stadium and, as per the information available with the government, all of them remained open.

The bench read out media reports regarding the incident in the court and questioned the government on how the lapses occurred and what exactly happened. The court also mentioned that 75 persons were injured in the incident. It asked the government to provide exact details of individuals' deaths, along with specific information on the exact place of their demise at the stadium.

The court further asked for information on what action the government intends to initiate to prevent such incidents in the future.

Senior counsel G.R. Mohan submitted that only three gates remained open during the celebration event at the Stadium. Senior counsel Hemanth Raj argued that there was no need for the state government to felicitate the RCB players, as they had not played for the country. He submitted that since two programs were allowed on a single day, the tragedy occurred.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Police have registered Unnatural Death Cases (UDR) regarding the incident involving the deaths of 11 people during the stampede. The Cubbon Park police have registered 11 UDR cases, and no FIR has been registered in connection with the development, sources said.

This move has led to outrage, as the police department had the option to book the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the event management company. Sources further confirmed that no one has, so far, come forward to take the responsibility. The UDR cases were taken up as per the directions of senior officers, sources revealed.

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has written a letter to the acting Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court with an urgent request for suo moto intervention and judicial enquiry into the stampede incident.

Social activist Snehamayi Krishna filed a complaint with the Cubbon Park police on Thursday against CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, office-bearers of the KSCA, and others. In his complaint, Krishna demanded that the police register the case under Section 106 of the BNS Act.

A copy of the complaint has also been sent to the bench of the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, and the petition has pleaded for action to be initiated against the guilty, stating it is a serious matter.

The state government has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and also ordered a magisterial probe.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday turned emotional and broke down before the media while talking about the stampede tragedy in which 11 persons were killed at the Chinnaswamy Stadium during the victory celebrations of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for winning the IPL 2025.

Shivakumar could not control his emotions and spoke with a choked voice while recounting his experience of witnessing young people, aged 10 to 15 years, lying dead after the incident on Wednesday and how their bodies were moved.

"I cannot digest that our children, who deserved to live and flourish, became victims of this stampede. This unfortunate incident has caused the loss of lives. It has tarnished the prestige of Bengaluru and Karnataka. We are taking this matter very seriously, and we will investigate and rectify the shortcomings. We need to learn a lesson from this," he said, while responding to media questions at his Sadashivanagar residence.

"No one of us expected such a tragedy to happen in our state. The RCB team had informed the media that they were coming to Bengaluru. Our government had no other option. We consider this tragedy as if it happened in our own family. "

"The pain, similar to that of our own family members having died in this tragedy, is overwhelming the state. This pain is unbearable. Those who died are members of our family. In this situation, we should offer condolences, not play politics. The responsibility for this tragedy cannot be placed on one or two individuals," he said.

"The joy among fans, who had been waiting for 18 years, overflowed. As a result, a large number of people gathered, and the situation escalated. Yesterday at the hospital, the parents of the deceased pleaded, 'Don't conduct a post-mortem. Give us our child's body.' How can we hand over the bodies without such an examination? This would lead to legal problems tomorrow. We need a scientific report to understand the cause of these deaths," Shivakumar recollected.

Asked about the BJP's criticism, he said: "On this matter, I need to answer the people of the state, not the BJP. Their statements are absurd; they are masterminds at playing politics."

"Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy (of the JD-S) and the BJP are doing politics over dead bodies. This is their profession. I can provide a list of everything that happened during their administration. But I don't wish to stoop to their level to play politics. However, I have seen with my own eyes 14-15-year-old children who deserved to live, dying. No family can digest this. The Police Commissioner had asked for the event to be concluded in 10 minutes. I also spoke with the RCB team, and the programme was cut short," the Deputy CM said.

"When the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President and Secretary couldn't go to the KSCA, I had to take them in my car. Media friends informed me that such a tragedy had occurred while I was on my way to the stadium. Later, the Commissioner informed me," he added.

"I don't care about any political criticism regarding this incident. Their antics are well-known. BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, Union Minister Kumaraswamy, the Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, and everyone else are just playing politics. I will discuss all of this at another time. When this matter comes up for discussion in the Assembly, I will raise what happened during their time. I will not play politics now. Media personnel, too, should not raise political issues at this time. I do not wish to talk now about what all happened when actor Dr Rajkumar passed away. I don't like to play such low-level politics. The BJP and the JD-S always play politics over dead bodies. This is their political agenda," he reiterated.

On Kumaraswamy stating that Shivakumar is responsible for these deaths, the Deputy Chief Minister replied: "I will answer Kumaraswamy later. I was attending a court hearing in Kanakapura. As soon as police officials said they couldn't allow the procession, I rushed towards Bengaluru. Metro services were even stopped to prevent people from coming."

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday inspected the spots where stampedes occurred during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebration event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here, leaving 11 dead and several others injured.

The Home Minister was briefed by Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda, Additional Police Commissioner Ramesh Banoth, and DCPs. Following this, he held an extended meeting and discussions with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), the RCB, and Bengaluru City Police officials.

Addressing reporters near the stadium, he said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered a magisterial inquiry, and the process for that has begun. He said that he personally came to inspect the stadium to understand where the stampedes took place and how they could have been avoided.

Stampedes occurred at gate numbers 6, 7, 2, 2A, 17, 18, 21, and 16, he said, adding that as some people died while being taken to the hospital or during treatment, there is no information about how many people died at each specific gate.

It was estimated that one lakh people would gather in front of Vidhana Soudha. At the stadium, an estimated 40,000 people were inside, and 2.5 lakh people were outside. According to Metro authorities, 8.7 lakh people had travelled.

Parameshwara expressed regret, stating that there are no examples of so many people gathering in one place like this, and it was unfortunate that this incident happened.

Earlier, commenting on the stampede on Wednesday during the victory celebrations of the RCB team, which lifted the IPL trophy after 18 years, Parameshwara said that it was not the government that wanted to bring the players for the victory celebrations to Bengaluru.

Addressing the media, he, in response to a question, said: "We did not make any request to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise or the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) in this regard, and they had organised the victory celebration event."

"The government also felt that it should felicitate the players and be a part of the celebration because it was a Bengaluru team. That’s all," he said.

"The KSCA and the RCB brought the team to Bengaluru for celebrations. All aspects will be enquired into, and once the information is available, all questions will be answered," he added.

Parameshwara stated that there were a total of 11 deaths in the tragedy so far, and 56 people were injured. Among the injured, 46 people have returned to their homes after treatment. The remaining 10 are being treated at hospitals. As per the doctors, their condition is stable.

“To prevent such incidents, the government and the Home Department will formulate a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). In the future, directions will be issued to organise major events, conventions, and celebrations as per the guidelines issued by the Police Department,” HM Parameshwara maintained.

The Chief Minister has ordered a magisterial enquiry by the Deputy Commissioner, Bengaluru Urban district, and until the probe report comes, "we will not be able to say anything," he said.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) What was meant to be a historic celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy as a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday claimed 11 lives and left 33 others injured. The incident occurred just hours after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, sparking a massive turnout of fans near the stadium.

RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) issued a joint statement on Wednesday night, expressing “deep concern and heartfelt condolences” over the incident. “RCB-KSCA expresses deep concern and heartfelt condolences regarding the unfortunate incident that occurred during the celebration organised by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier today,” the statement read.

“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained by individuals during this event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this incident. We sincerely regret this tragedy and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families during this extremely difficult time,” it added.

The stampede was reported outside Gate 2 of the stadium shortly after RCB players had reached the Vidhana Soudha to meet Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Confusion reigned throughout the day regarding the parade plans, with Bengaluru traffic police initially denying permission due to safety concerns. However, thousands of RCB fans had already gathered near the stadium, awaiting the arrival of the team, leading to an uncontrollable surge.

The crowd management, or lack thereof, turned fatal as barriers were breached and panic spread. Police were overwhelmed, and emergency services scrambled to contain the chaos. The injured were rushed to Bowring and Vydehi Hospitals. Eyewitnesses described scenes of desperation, with people getting trampled and many unconscious by the time help arrived.

In an effort to offer some solace to the affected families, RCB and KSCA announced financial aid of ₹5 lakh to each of the families who lost their loved ones in the incident.

The state government has also announced Rs 10 lakh for the relatives of those who have lost their lives in the stampede.

“RCB-KSCA announces 5 lakh each to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We hope this gesture can offer some support and solace in their time of grief,” the joint statement said.

“We want to emphasise that this compensation is not intended to determine or replace the value of human life, but rather to serve as a gesture of support and solidarity during such challenging times. Thank you for your understanding and support,” it added.

Despite the tragedy, a short victory ceremony was held inside the stadium, which lasted about half an hour. Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli addressed the crowd briefly, thanking fans for their relentless support over the years.

The team then took a lap around the ground, celebrating a title that was 17 seasons in the making. RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in a thrilling IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

But the night that was meant to unify a city in celebration will now be remembered for a grave mismanagement that cost lives. Questions are already being raised over the preparedness of local authorities, and an investigation has been ordered to determine the lapses that led to the horrific stampede.

For now, the cricketing world and RCB fans across the globe mourn a bittersweet moment where glory and grief collide.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has strongly criticized the poor planning and crowd management during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL victory celebrations at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where a stampede claimed the lives of at least 11 fans and injured several others.

After RCB’s long-awaited first IPL title win on June 3 in Ahmedabad, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had organised a felicitation ceremony in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Thousands of fans gathered outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, hoping to catch a glimpse of their heroes.

However, as the crowd swelled, the situation became unmanageable. Police resorted to lathi-charge to control the crowd, leading to panic and chaos. Seven people were killed in the resulting stampede, while several others were rushed to Bowring Hospital and Vydehi Superspeciality Hospital for treatment.

"People will not forget this —or Virat Kohli. While people were dying outside, there was celebration inside. It's truly shocking and disheartening. The families of the deceased should consider suing RCB and the state government for ₹100 crore for this tragic mishap...BCCI is also shirking responsibility," former Indian cricketer Madan Lal told IANS.

Earlier in the day, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the media after the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of the deceased.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the arrangements, stating, “We had arranged for 5,000 police personnel. We couldn’t use force on such a young, vibrant crowd.”

The authorities have confirmed that the bodies of two persons are at Bowring Hospital and that of four others at Vaidehi Hospital. Six persons are being treated in the ICU of the Vaidehi Hospital and three are admitted to the ICU.

The government of Karnataka had earlier cancelled the victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium, citing security reasons.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The celebrations for the first-ever IPL victory of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) turned tragic on Wednesday with over 50 fans injured and falling sick, and eight feared killed following a stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium here.

The incident occurred while fans were attending the celebration event for the RCB team lifting the IPL 2025 trophy.

People from all over the nation rushed to social media to ask why the celebrations inside continued while people were fighting for their lives.

"Unbelievable! Victory celebration broadcast of RCB parade continues. No mention of stampede. NOT DONE," read a post on X.

"1 parade, 0 brains, & now 7 funerals. What kind of idiots plans a mass celebration without barricades, without strategy? This isn't a celebration gone wrong, this is an administration that went brain-dead," posted a user on 'X'

"The most gut-wrenching aspect of the #ChinnaswamyStadium stampede is the shocking apathy shown—celebrations continued as bodies lay lifeless. Where is our humanity? These young Kannadigas died for nothing, without even respect in death. It’s disgraceful, inhuman, and unforgivable. Those responsible must be named, shamed, and held criminally accountable.," posted another user.

The authorities have confirmed that the bodies of two persons are at Bowring Hospital and that of four others at Vaidehi Hospital. Six persons are being treated in the ICU of the Vaidehi Hospital and three are admitted to the ICU. Sources confirmed the death of other two persons.

The stampede took place when thousands of fans attempted to enter the stadium in a hurry from various gates. Police at the scene transported the injured to ambulances and shifted them to the nearby Bowring Hospital.

Police stated that the ambulances were unable to move quickly to the hospital due to the overcrowding on the roads.

The government of Karnataka had earlier cancelled the victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium, citing security reasons.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Karnataka government will host a felicitation programme for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team, winners of the IPL 2025 trophy, on the grand steps of the Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday.

The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) is making swift arrangements at the venue.

"The programme is being organised at the grand steps of the Vidhana Soudha. I am handing over the trophy to them," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told the media at the Vidhana Soudha, adding: "I am only giving back the trophy they have already won."

"I am congratulating the RCB team players. I also congratulate the RCB fans. This is a matter of pride for the entire country and the state, because RCB had not won the cup in all these years. They have made it in the 18th edition of the IPL. This is a matter of extreme joy."

DPAR Secretary G. Satyavathi, Secretary, who was monitoring the preparations at the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha, said that they are planning to host a felicitation programme there. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar will be present, and all the MLAs have been invited.

"We request the fans not to come to the vicinity of Vidhana Soudha as there are restrictions. It is a sensitive place. This is the starting point, and I request fans to go to the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium."

Thousands of fans are expected to gather at the stadium to cheer for their favourite players. The police department has held multiple meetings to arrange security measures.

Referring to potential traffic jams in the city due to the roadshow and victory parade, Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that people are likely to enjoy the traffic jams on such occasions.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former England cricketer and current Delhi Capitals mentor Kevin Pietersen expressed his gratitude as the IPL 2025 concluded, thanking everyone involved in making the tournament a success and also congratulating Royal Challengers Bengaluru on becoming the champions of the 2025 season.

After a wait of 18 years, RCB finally lifted their maiden IPL title on Tuesday night after beating another trophy-less team Punjab Kings by six runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The win means former RCB skipper Virat Kohli, who has been with the team since 2008, finally got his hands on the elusive trophy.

"As the IPL comes to an end, I would like to congratulate and thank everyone for a wonderful event in 2025. Starting from the BCCI, the players, coaches, backroom staff, hotels, stadium officials, coach drivers, baggage men, security personnel and the Indian Army. I would like to say a big thank you to all fans. You make the IPL the best tournament in the world. Best of luck to everyone in India and congratulations to RCB!" Pietersen, who had a short stint as RCB captain in 2009, posted on X.

When the tournament was approaching its business-end last month, it was suspended for a week because of India-Pakistan border tension. BCCI then announced the resumption from May 17, with the remaining 17 matches played across 6 venues and the tournament culminated on June 3 with RCB lifting their first-ever trophy in 18 years.

RCB set a target of 191 for PBKS to win on the back of Kohli's 43 off 35. Chasing a target of 191, despite Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh proving the PBKS a good start up the top order, Punjab were restricted to 184 for 7 despite a late flourish from Shashank Singh (unbeaten 61 off 30 balls) and fell short of the target by six runs.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) IPL 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s plans to organise an open bus victory parade following its first-ever championship win have been cancelled, said the Bengaluru Traffic Police on Wednesday.

As per an earlier announcement from the franchise, the open-top bus parade was supposed to begin from 5pm and run from Vidhana Soudha to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the team’s home ground, where a felicitation event would take place from 6pm.

This was to happen after the RCB team would meet Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhan Soudha. But a social media post from the Bengaluru Traffic Police said there will be ‘NO’ victory parade and that the victory event will just be the felicitation ceremony at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

“There will be a felicitation function for the RCB team at the Chinnaswamy Stadium from 5 pm to 6 pm. Public are advised to avoid roads surrounding Vidhan Soudha and Chinnaswamy Stadium from 3 pm to 8 pm. There will be ‘NO’ victory parade. Due to limited parking, public are advised to use Metro and other public transport,” said the Bengaluru Traffic Police in the social media post.

In another traffic advisory, the Bengaluru police said entry of the fans to the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be restricted to those with valid passes. It further advised the attendees to use the Metro and other public transport due to limited parking availability around the stadium.

RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar, had defeated Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings by six runs to lift the IPL trophy for the very first time at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The side also became the fourth different team to lift the IPL trophy in the last four seasons.

Talismanic batter Virat Kohli top-scored with 43 off 35 balls as RCB posted an imposing 190/9. In their defence, RCB’s brilliant bowlers, led by Player of the Match, Krunal Pandya’s match-winning spell of 2-17 in four overs, restricted Punjab Kings to 184/7, meaning that the franchise and Kohli finally became IPL champions for the very first time in the tournament’s 18th season.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting praised the team efforts throughout the IPL 2025 after his side went down to Royal Challengers Bangalore by six runs in the summit clash at Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday night.

After electing to bowl, PBKS restricted the opposition to 190/9 in 20 overs on a solid batting track, with both Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson picking up three wickets each.

Chasing a target of 191, despite Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh proving the PBKS a good start up the top order, Punjab were restricted to 184 for 7 despite a late flourish from Shashank Singh (unbeaten 61 off 30 balls) and fell short of the target by six runs.

Despite losing the title, the head coach praised the team's performance in the season and highlighted how PBKS were an entertaining team throughout the tournament.

"The way that we've been able to play our cricket, it's been a highly entertaining team to watch, and that for a coach to be able to sit back and talk about a team that way gives me a lot of satisfaction. You can probably look at it tonight and say, 'Was it probably a little bit of inexperience in the middle order that cost us?'

"But what I know is that we are going to have these younger guys (Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera) with us for a long time, and I think they're going to win us a lot of games going forward," Ponting said at the post-match press conference.

"I can't speak highly enough for what those young boys have done through the tournament. I think I talked at the first press conference I had with Shreyas about becoming a daring, dynamic, and different team. On the back of that, what Prabh and Priyansh and [Nehal] Wadhera and these sorts of guys were able to do, there's probably enough been said through the media over the last couple of months," he said.

Shashank played a heroic knock in the end, scoring an unbeaten 61 off 30 balls in the final but was unable to take his side home. Ponting disagreed with the remarks that the batting track was a slow one and said that his side lost momentum in a crucial spot.

"There's no excuse from us. Shashank, at the end of the game, said he thinks that was the best wicket he has batted on for the whole season. We just lost a bit of momentum at a critical time, in probably the last couple of overs of the power play and we lost critical wickets," Ponting said.

It was after a span of 11 years that PBKS had qualified for the playoffs and reached the IPL final. Looking into the future, Ponting said that his side will continue to grow in the coming years and will make a stronger comeback next season.

"It was only a couple of days that we were here celebrating one of our great wins for the season to get into the final, and today we probably feel that we have let one slip. But with this group being as young as it is, we will be back bigger and stronger next season," he said.

"I think it's always easy to make observations from the outside, but I made it pretty clear when I was appointed as head coach that I wanted to make sure things were different. I wanted to make sure things were done in a certain way from the top. I wanted to make things different; I wanted to make a significant change, and I think we have managed to do that," he signed off.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Mitch Owen has earned a maiden call-up to the Australian team after being named in the squad for the five-match T20I series against the West Indies in July. Young opener Jake Fraser-McGurk is a notable omission from the T20I squad after an extended lean period, while Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett are also dropped for the trip to the Caribbean.

Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly also return to the T20I team following recovery from their respective injuries, though the former is expected to play as a specialist batter. Josh Hazlewood, who won IPL 2025 title with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Tuesday night, also comes back to the side, so as Glenn Maxwell, while left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been handed a first-ever call-up to the T20I team.

Pat Cummins, Travis Head and Mitchell Starc will not be a part of the T20I series and will return to Australia following the Test series in the West Indies. Mitchell Marsh is back to captaining Australia after missing the T20I series against Pakistan in November 2024 due to paternity leave and preparation for Tests against India.

Owen’s call-up comes on the back of him having a breakout BBL season with the Hobart Hurricanes, including hitting a century in the final, as the side won its first title. Though he had a lean run in the SA20, PSL and IPL, the George Bailey-led selection committee is keen to see what Owen does at the top of the order under pressure and rigours of international cricket.

Australia has won 12 of their past 14 T20I matches as it builds toward next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka. After the series against the West Indies, Australia will play T20I matches against South Africa, New Zealand and India.

“We have a busy T20 schedule coming up through this Series, followed by three against South Africa and New Zealand and five matches against India at home as we continue to refine and build a squad we think will be the right fit for the World Cup on the subcontinent.”

“There are a number of players outside the squad who can still force their way into the mix for those upcoming Indian Series and through the Big Bash. The connection, role development and combinations we will have as options are growing nicely as we build towards the World Cup. It’s an exciting time in our T20 space,” said Bailey.

Australia T20I squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, and Adam Zampa

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Sanjay Bangar, the former coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said the franchise leaning on picking experienced players brought resilience and better decision-making under pressure, which in turn made the difference in the side winning IPL 2025.

At the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday night, RCB beat Punjab Kings by six runs in the final to finally win a long-awaited IPL title for the first time. It also meant that the talismanic Virat Kohli finally became an IPL winner after losing three previous finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 respectively.

Ahead of the auction for 2025 season, apart from retaining Kohli, captain Rajat Patidar and pacer Yash Dayal, RCB had brought in Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Liam Livingstone, and Tim David among others, which meant they brought in much-needed international experience and covered all bases for the franchise to finally win the championship.

“This season, RCB leaned more on experience. In previous years, we saw a focus on younger, developing talent—players who hadn’t quite mature into finished products. But this time, the Indian core of the squad was made up of players who had touched the international stage, even if they hadn’t had long runs there, such as Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Yash Dayal, and Rajat Patidar.

“They've all had brushes with international cricket—some even played Tests. That kind of exposure brings resilience and better decision-making under pressure. When you combine those players with four overseas stars, it results in a team where 9 or 10 members have international-level experience. That drastically reduces the inexperience factor, and it shows in on-field decisions that match the demands of the game.

“The leadership structure also helped—having a new captain, supported by Virat Kohli’s guidance on the field, added balance. And then there were smart acquisitions—Josh Hazlewood and especially Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who in my view is one of the IPL’s greatest bowlers. His inclusion was a game-changer. All of these elements came together this year, which is why this RCB side could go all the way—something past squads couldn't quite manage," said Bangar, a former India batting coach, on JioHotstar.

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden also reflected on RCB’s historic triumph, and the legacy which Kohli has with the team he’s represented in the IPL since its inception in 2008. "Firstly, it’s remarkable how respectful Virat has been to this franchise. He’s given his youth, his heart, his soul—his entire focus—to RCB.”

“He’s supported not just the team but also the champions before him—legends like AB de Villiers, the Universe Boss Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, and many others who didn’t get the opportunity he had tonight: to sit on the throne and be crowned king of the IPL.

“The IPL 2025 will be forever etched in the annals of cricket—not just for Virat Kohli, but for the RCB fans who stood by them through thick and thin. It shows how consistency and belief can finally lead to a title. Over the past five years, they’ve always been close—and now, they’ve crossed the line."

Kohli, who top-scored with 43 in the final, was emotional over becoming an IPL winner while standing alongside former RCB stalwarts in AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. “What made it even more special was having AB right there at the boundary line during the last two overs. I told him, ‘I'm going to go (cry), it's too much to take.’ I had to hold back tears during the last three balls of that innings—only he knows how that feels.

“Sharing this moment with AB and Chris means everything to me. I spent my prime years playing alongside them. We tried so hard, came so close, and had such an explosive team back then—but we could never cross the line. That hurt stays with you, because we gave everything to this franchise.

“This win feels ten times more special because those two (Gayle and de Villiers) were standing next to me. It’s as much theirs as it is mine. You see it when they come to Bengaluru —the love people have for them is unreal. It’s because fans recognize how much heart and soul they poured into this team. They absolutely deserve this as much as I do. This (trophy) is equally theirs," he said.

Asked about the contributions of entire RCB team, Kohli, who made 657 runs, commented, “The character in that dressing room this year was phenomenal. I spoke to AB (de Villiers) and even he said, ‘I’ve got this exciting feeling about this team'. You look at players like Jitesh, Rajat, Mayank—guys who came in from nowhere—and Devdutt, everyone stepped up.

“There was this sharpness, this quiet confidence in their eyes. They wanted it badly. And then the bowling—unbelievable. I don’t think RCB has ever come back into a tournament with the ball like we did this year.

“Honestly, our bowlers won us this title. Everyone did their job perfectly. Krunal Pandya’s spell will be remembered for a long, long time. To bowl like that under pressure, as a finger spinner, and take those two critical wickets—that was exceptional. This was a total team effort.”

Kohli, who made 657 runs in IPL 2025, also dedicated the win to RCB’s loyal fans. “I said it straight away—this title is as much for the fans as it is for us. These people have backed us relentlessly for 18 years.

“We’ve had horrible seasons and great ones too, but they turned up for every game in Bengaluru. I’ve never seen loyalty like that. That’s what made me stay. That’s why I never wavered from RCB. It’s also why this win is so special. These fans truly are loyally royal.”

He signed off by reflecting on the support from his wife, Anushka Sharma, who herself grew up in Bengaluru. “She’s been coming to support RCB since 2014—it’s been 11 years for her too. Through all the tough games, the heartbreaks, she’s been there. What your life partner does for you to be able to perform professionally—the sacrifices, the emotional strength—it’s hard to put into words.

“Only someone in professional sports can understand the pressure and what happens behind the scenes. Anushka has seen me at my lowest, and she’s always stood by me. So this moment is incredibly special for her too. She’s going to be so, so proud.”

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower was all praise for captain Rajat Patidar for calmness in carrying out the "tricky job" of captaining RCB and leading the team to their maiden IPL title.

This was the first time Patidar was leading an IPL team while his previous leadership experience was leading Madhya Pradesh to the final of the 2024/25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. On his first rodeo as the franchise's skipper, he ended RCB's long wait of 18 years to get their hands on the trophy by beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in the title clash.

"One of the most impressive things about what Rajat has done this year is, as an inexperienced captain, that he hasn't been affected by it. I don't think it has affected his batting because I've watched him really closely as a character, and he is still the lovely, gentle, polite Rajat Patidar that we knew last year. He hasn't changed at all in that regard," Flower said in a post-match press conference.

"Captaining RCB is a really tricky job. If I cast my mind back to how poorly I captained when I was his age, I've got tremendous respect for how he's held himself with all that scrutiny and captained some big players. You can't underestimate the calmness he showed in leading some really big players, a really big franchise, making good decisions out there in the middle under the pressure that RCB players play under. So I've got tons of respect for him. I'm really proud of the way that he's carried himself, and he's been crucial to us doing well," he added.

RCB set a target of 191 for PBKS to win, which initially seemed a total under par, especially when PBKS managed to reach 70 at the end of the 8th over and seemed totally in control. But, an excellent catch by Phil Salt on the bowling of Josh Hazlewood near the backward-square-leg boundary sent Priyansh back in the fifth over, which Flower feels was the turning pint in the match.

"That was an outstanding catch, wasn't it?. I thought it was a perfect example of someone holding his nerve under pressure. It took a while to get to him, he knew that he was moving towards the boundary, and to stay that calm under that sort of pressure in a final to get our first wicket was an amazing piece of fielding from him, and also just holding his nerve," he said

Salt returned to Ahmedabad early Tuesday norning for the summit clash. He wasn't a part of the RCB training session on the eve of the contest, with the news of him flying home to accompany his partner for the birth of their first child surfacing.

"He only got back from England at 3 o'clock this morning, and he's been an outstanding batter and fielder for us throughout the season. He has taken a couple of catches like that through the season, he works really hard at it. I think he had actually preferred to keep wicket, but he was outstanding, and a turning point, obviously," Flower added.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka, especially its capital Bengaluru city, erupted in joy following the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory in the final match of the IPL 2025 tournament late on Tuesday night. Fans burst crackers and poured onto the streets to celebrate till early Wednesday morning hours.

In pubs, bars and restaurants, fans cheered and celebrated the thrilling victory, donning RCB jerseys and caps. Crackers lit up Bengaluru's arterial roads.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while praising RCB, said, "Congratulations to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on a historic IPL triumph. The dream has finally come true -- Ee Sala Cup Namde. From electrifying performances to unshakable spirit, this triumph has ignited the pride of Karnataka and thrilled fans across the world."

"The RCB boys have, through their organised team performance throughout the tournament, made the dreams of millions of fans come true today. This victory for RCB embodies Virat Kohli's 18 years of dedication, loyalty, and commitment. There's no doubt that every RCB player delivered a champion performance in all departments -- bowling, batting, and fielding. This is a day that created history... Finally, this time, the cup is ours," the Chief Minister added.

Siddaramaiah watched the IPL final match on a tablet from Bengaluru's HAL Airport immediately after returning from his Gadag district tour.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the RCB team for winning the IPL trophy by defeating Punjab Kings in the T20 final match.

Expressing his sincere wishes to the RCB team for realising an 18-year-long dream, Deputy CM Shivakumar joyfully declared, "This time, the cup is ours!"

The Deputy CM, who watched the match on a TV screen in Bengaluru, celebrated enthusiastically as RCB secured the victory.

In a media statement, he extended his best wishes to the team, highlighting how Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli's team materialised the aspirations that all of Karnataka had yearned for on this auspicious day and moment.

Union Minister and Janata Dal-Secular leader, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has congratulated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team for their thrilling victory in the IPL 2025 tournament.

Releasing a media statement on RCB's victory, Union Minister Kumaraswamy expressed his joy, saying, "This time the cup is ours."

He congratulated Patidar's team for playing with spirit, and especially lauded veteran player Virat Kohli.

"Heartfelt congratulations to the RCB Bangalore team for their historic dual victory in the IPL tournament. The magnificent cricket displayed by Patidar's team, which fulfilled the dreams of six and a half crore Kannadigas, has captivated not only Kannadigas but also cricket lovers across the entire world."

"In my opinion, this victory is a magnificent milestone in Karnataka's cricket history. I especially congratulate veteran player Virat Kohli, who dedicated himself to the team's success for a long period of 18 years," the Union Minister expressed happily.

Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra said, "What a stellar end to a stellar campaign by RCB. It took us 18 years to reach here, but we made it and that's what truly matters. This win is personal for every fan who stood by RCB through the ups and downs, who believed, cheered, and never gave up. Here's to the spirit of play bold and the RCB family this is just the beginning."

Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said, "Heartfelt congratulations to the RCB team, who have become champions by defeating the Punjab team in the IPL final! The final match, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, was extremely thrilling. The precise bowling attack by the RCB bowlers and the team's cohesive play ended the eighteen-year trophy drought in IPL history. Under the leadership of RCB Captain Rajat Patidar, the dreams of millions of fans have come true, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire RCB team."

Source: IANS

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Chennai, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Several film celebrities, including Allu Arjun, Vijay Deverakonda and Shanthanu Baghyaraj congratulated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title win on Tuesday night.

Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda, who was among the first to congratulate the RCB team, took to his X timeline to put out a congratulatory post.

He wrote, "Congratulations to @RCBTweets, all RCB fans. You have waited with so much energy and passion and love. It's a happy happy moment to see."

Tamil actor Shanthanu Baghyaraj too put out a tweet congratulating the Bengaluru franchise. He wrote, "Congratulations @RCBTweets. It’s been a long wait... What a journey as a team you've had… To all the fans who've loyally supported for 18 years, you deserve this celebration. #IPL2025Final Well played @PunjabKingsIPL, great season but hard luck on the finals. An emotional moment to see @imVkohli breaking down into tears."Ee saala cup Nimmaadu"."

Telugu star Allu Arjun too put out a congratulatory message. He said, "The wait is over. "Ee sala cup namde!" At last! We've been waiting for this day for 18 years. A big, big congratulations to RCB!"

Tamil film director Rathna Kumar also put out a tweet congratulating RCB on winning their first title. He wrote, "Dear RCB fans, This is how it feels to win a trophy. Enjoy the moment. Hope the fire inside Kohli stays the same. See you next season. Congrats. #RCBvPBKS."

The director also put out a picture showing the huge number of runs Virat Kohli had scored in each season of the IPL, starting from the opening season in 2008.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed their maiden title in the IPL, ending an 18-year wait with a sensational six-run win over Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat on Tuesday.

Restricted to 190/9 in 20 overs by a fine bowling performance led by Arshdeep Singh (3-40) and Kyle Jamieson (3-38), the Rajat Patidar-led side came back strongly with a mesmerising bowling performance of their own to restrict Punjab Kings to 184/7 in 20 overs and thereby clinch the title.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The long wait is finally over—and no one felt the emotions more than Vijay Mallya, the first owner of the Bengaluru franchise. As Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their maiden IPL trophy after 18 years of heartbreak and hope, the former RCB owner led the wave of congratulatory messages that poured in from across the cricketing world.

“RCB are IPL Champions finally after 18 years,” Mallya posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Superb campaign right through the 2025 tournament. A well-balanced team Playing Bold with outstanding coaching and support staff. Many congratulations! Ee sala cup namde!!”

It was a moment that brought together generations of RCB fans and stakeholders, past and present. And the rest of the IPL fraternity stood in unison to applaud the team’s hard-earned glory.

Mumbai Indians, five-time champions, hailed the effort: “Congratulations to the NEW #TATAIPL Champions, @RCBTweets. A strong & memorable campaign.”

Sunrisers Hyderabad, who themselves have tasted title success in the past, acknowledged RCB’s tenacity: “Congratulations on an outstanding season and a well-earned title, @RCBTweets.”

Chennai Super Kings, RCB’s fiercest rivals, also put rivalry aside to share in the moment: “Congratulations, @RCBTweets! #IPL2025Final #WhistlePodu .”

The message that perhaps captured the emotions of millions of fans came from Kolkata Knight Riders: “EE SALA CUP NIMDE, CONGRATULATIONS.”

Even Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants joined in, sharing stories, memes, and emotional posts celebrating the end of the title curse.

While the cricketing fraternity celebrated RCB’s victory, the occasion held deeply personal significance for Virat Kohli. As the team held on to win by six runs against Punjab Kings in a nerve-wracking final, Kohli dropped to his knees in tears. It was a fitting image of loyalty rewarded—after 18 years, three heartbreak losses in finals, and countless sacrifices, the talismanic batter had finally tasted IPL glory.

The journey to the title was far from smooth. RCB lost early wickets in the final, but vital partnerships—particularly between Kohli and Mayank Agarwal—ensured a fighting total of 190. Their bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya’s clutch spell of 2/17 and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s nerveless death bowling, brought the cup home.

Despite a valiant 61* off 30 balls from Punjab’s Shashank Singh, RCB held their nerve. The final over drama only made the triumph sweeter. The title win united past legends, rival franchises, and fans from across the globe in celebration.

After years of taunts, memes, and near-misses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are no longer titleless. The script has flipped, the wait is over, and the roar of “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” now echoes in reality, not just hope.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) concluded on Tuesday with Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally ending their long wait for the trophy.

RCB held their nerve in a thrilling final against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad, winning the match by 6 runs to lift their maiden IPL title.

While RCB celebrated their historic win, the post-match presentation also saw the announcement of individual award winners from the season — with Sai Sudharsan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi among the top performers.

Gujarat Titans’ top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan was the standout performer with the bat this season. The left-hander finished as the highest run-scorer of IPL 2025, collecting a total of 759 runs and thereby earning the Orange Cap. Sudharsan, who has been consistent throughout the campaign, also won the Emerging Player of the Season award. He hit 88 fours in the tournament — the most by any player — and also racked up the highest fantasy points this season with 1495.

Mumbai Indians’ experienced batter Suryakumar Yadav bagged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Season award. Despite MI not making it to the final, Suryakumar’s explosive batting and ability to take games away from the opposition earned him 320.5 MVP points — the highest in the season.

Rajasthan Royals’ emerging power-hitter Vaibhav Suryavanshi left a big mark in his debut season, winning the Super Striker of the Season award. Suryavanshi maintained a phenomenal strike-rate of 207, showcasing his ability to accelerate and finish innings with impact.

Gujarat Titans’ pace bowler Prasidh Krishna walked away with the Purple Cap for taking the most wickets in IPL 2025. The right-arm fast bowler picked up 25 wickets, playing a key role in GT’s run to the playoffs.

Chennai Super Kings were recognised for their discipline on the field, taking home the Fair Play Award of the season. The award for the Best Catch of the Season was given to Kamindu Mendis of Sunrisers Hyderabad for a spectacular catch to dismiss Dewald Brevis in a match against CSK.

Mohammed Siraj, also of Gujarat Titans, led the charts for most dot balls bowled this season with 151 dots. Meanwhile, Nicholas Pooran of Lucknow Super Giants smashed the most sixes — a total of 40.

The Delhi District Cricket Association was awarded the Best Pitch and Ground of the Season for the playing surfaces and facilities provided at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Full list of IPL 2025 award winners:

IPL 2025 Champions: Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Runners-up: Punjab Kings

Orange Cap: B Sai Sudharsan (GT) – 759 runs

Purple Cap: Prasidh Krishna (GT) – 25 wickets

Most Valuable Player: Suryakumar Yadav (MI) – 320.5 MVP points

Emerging Player: B Sai Sudharsan (GT)

Super Striker: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (RR) – Strike Rate: 207

Most Fours: B Sai Sudharsan (GT) – 88 fours

Most Sixes: Nicholas Pooran (LSG) – 40 sixes

Most Dot Balls: Mohammed Siraj (GT) – 151 dots

Fair Play Award: Chennai Super Kings

Best Catch of the Season: Kamindu Mendis (SRH) – vs CSK, to dismiss Dewald Brevis

Best Pitch & Ground: Delhi District Cricket Association

Most Fantasy Points: B Sai Sudharsan (GT) – 1495 points

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar rang out chants of ‘Ee sala Cup Namdu’, which roughly translates to ‘This year, the cup is ours' after he led the team to their first Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy on Tuesday.

In their fourth attempt at winning an IPL final, RCB fans’ much-awaited and prayed-for moment finally arrived. After years of chanting, and being trolled for saying, ‘Ee saala Cup Namde’ (This year, the cup will be ours), it was Patidar who etched his name in history by becoming the first RCB captain to lift the trophy.

Patidar said it was certainly a special trophy for Virat Kohli and spoke on how it feels to captain the Indian great.

“I think it is really special for me and special for Virat Kohli and all the fans who have supported him for years. They deserve it. After Qualifier 1, at that time, we thought we could do this. I think 190 was a good score on this track because it was a bit slow. The way bowlers executed their plans was tremendous to watch. He's (Krunal Pandya) a wicket-taking bowler.

“For me, it's a great opportunity to do captaincy under him, and it was a great learning for me. As I said he deserves it more than anyone else. Virat Kohli and all the fans. Everyone who has supported the management and support staff, the way they've supported the players, was beautiful. I just want to say one line for the fans - Ee sala Cup Namdu,” said Patidar at the presentation.

Krunal Pandya’s figures of 2-17 were pivotal in RCB’s triumph,and Patidar acknowledged that by admitting he looks for the finger-spinner whenever his side is under pressure.

“Whenever I come under pressure, I look for KP. Suyash also bowled really well throughout the season. And all the fast bowlers - Bhuvi, Yash, Hazlewood, and the way Romario came in and the way he gave 2-3 overs and the breakthrough was special,” he added.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Ace director Prashanth Neel and Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar were among scores of film celebrities, who expressed their joy late on Tuesday night, as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their maiden IPL title, defeating the Punjab Kings in an intensely fought match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat.

Shiva Rajkumar, who had earlier in the day posted a video encouraging the Royal Challengers Bangalore, wrote, "The Champions of Heart are now the owners of the cup. Congratulations @royalchallengers.bengaluru #PlayBold" soon after the team won the title.

Actor Kiccha Sudeep too took to his X timeline to share his joy over RCB winning the title. He wrote, "The long wait is finally over! After years of passion, perseverance, and belief, RCB lifts the IPL trophy! What a moment for every, every, every, every RCB fan."

But it was director Prashanth Neel's celebration that caught the eye of netizens. A video clip doing the rounds on social media showed Prashanth Neel intently watching the match on a giant screen. As soon as RCB emerged victorious, the director was unable to contain his excitement and happiness and broke into a joyful dance.

Actress Vedhika, who posted a picture of herself cheering for RCB at the stadium, wrote, "Ee Sala cup Namde. Congratulations #RCB Champions! @RCBTweets @imVkohli#TeamRCB."

Telugu actor Sai Dharam Tej took to X to congratulate the fans of the franchise. He wrote, "Trolled many a times, put down many a times, pushed aside many a times, Given up many a times. All this and still they went ahead and put up a magnificent show and the most important part is that they didn't give up, the only thing they did was NEVER GIVE UP. The team strived for years to deserve this victory. Congratulations @RCBTweets you deserve every bit of it. And to all the loyal fans you can thump your chest and proudly say #EeSalaCupNamde."

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) has won the prestigious ‘Best Pitch and Ground’ award for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, as conferred by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

This recognition celebrates the outstanding efforts of the ground staff at Arun Jaitley Stadium, who delivered top-tier playing conditions throughout the IPL season. The award acknowledges excellence in pitch quality, outfield maintenance, and overall ground management—ensuring a fair and competitive surface for players and an exceptional experience for fans.

DDCA President Rohan Jaitley expressed gratitude, stating, “This award is a testament to the tireless work of our curators, staff, and management. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in cricket infrastructure.”

DDCA Vice President Shikha Kumar said, "This recognition validates our collective vision of turning the Arun Jaitley Stadium into a world-class cricket venue. It is a proud moment for Delhi cricket."

The Delhi Capitals played their opening home games of the IPL 2025 in Visakhapatnam before shifting base to the Arun Jaitley Stadium. After the tournament resumed from the break caused due to the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Delhi was one of the six venues where fixtures were relocated to.

Honorary Secretary Ashok Sharma added, "Behind every great match is a dedicated team working round the clock. This award reflects their passion and professionalism."

Joint Secretary Amit Grover stated, "We are thrilled with this recognition. It motivates us to continue investing in better facilities for players and fans alike."

Treasurer Harish Singla commented, "This achievement highlights not just our commitment to excellence but also our efficient resource management and planning throughout the IPL season."

The Delhi Capitals had started the 2025 edition in rocketing fashion but their season faltered as the season went on. With seven wins, six losses and one no result, DC fell just short of qualifying in the top four, and finished in fifth with 15 points and will hope to come into next season with the aim of ending their 18-year drought.

“This recognition encourages us to work harder and reassures that we are delivering what we are mandated by our members to do. The accolade reflects DDCA’s dedication to the development of the sport and highlights Delhi as a premier cricketing venue in India. DDCA thanks BCCI and all stakeholders for their continued support and looks forward to hosting more world-class cricket in the days to come,” read the statement by the DDCA.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) A million emotions were running amuck at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as the IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifted the trophy for the first time in 18 years of the tournament.

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma embraced her husband, the senior RCB player, and modern batting legend Virat Kohli as jitters in the stadium stretched from the pitch to the last row in the stands.

After breaking down on field, Virat ran over to his wife, as he hugged her with tears streaming down his face. When it all kicked in, the emotions erupted for him akin to Italy's Mount Etna volcano.

Anushka hugged and congratulated her husband.

The shutters of the cameras stationed at the stadium went all gun-blazing to capture the moment between the couple, a moment that will put its signature along the dotted line of the history of India's pop-culture, in years to come.

For Virat, the moment came a few weeks after he announced his retirement from Test cricket. One can only imagine the sense of accomplishment that must be running through Kohli's mind at the moment.

Over the years, RCB has cultivated a loyal fanbase that has stood by the team, game after game, and season after season. With the maiden win coming after almost two decades, it has paid off enormously for them.

Incidentally, Anushka and IPL share the debut year. While the first season of IPL took place in the summer of 2008, Anushka made her debut roughly six months later with 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' opposite Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, whose Kolkata Knight Riders were the defending champions of IPL 2025.

Earlier this year in March, team India won the Champions Trophy with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli forming the backbone of the team. It was India's third title win, and Virat's second title win as a part of the team after its 2013 edition.

Nearly a year ago, India, again with Virat and Rohit as senior players, won the ICC T20 World Cup in Barbados as the team snatched the victory from the jaws of South Africa.

While Virat has been rocking it out on the field, Anushka has been on a sabbatical with her last on-screen appearance being in 2022 in 'Qala', where she was seen in a cameo appearance, and a full-fledged role back in 2018 release 'Zero'.

The actress was set to make her return on the silver screen with 'Chakda 'Xpress', based on India's lead pacer Jhulan Goswami. However, the future of the film seems bleak, as there are no reports of its release in theatres.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Krunal Pandya produced a Player of the Match performance to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) claim their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Tuesday.

Pandya, who was bought by RCB for Rs 5.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, put on all the tricks at his disposal and refused to let the Punjab Kings batters dictate the proceedings on the day.

His figures of 2-17, which included the absolutely crucial wickets of Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis, completely turned the game on its head and sealed the crucial victory.

Krunal revealed that in his first conversation with the franchise, he told RCB that he likes to win trophies and delivered on his promise by setting up the victory.

"When we batted, we realised the slower you bowl, the better it is. In this format, you need guts to do it. I just backed myself and thought I'd vary my pace and keep it on the slower side more often. My biggest strength has been to learn what the situation requires. I knew I had to be brave to get wickets tonight. Thought I'd do that by bowling slow. If you'd have bowled quick, it'd have been a good wicket. But if you mixed it up, it was tougher. Pitch actually got easier in the second innings,” said Krunal while collecting the POTM trophy.

"Have enjoyed my time with RCB so far. I told them on day one that I like to win trophies. I told Hardik too that the Pandya household will have nine trophies in 11 years," he added.

Krunal has won four IPL titles, three with the Mumbai Indians, and his performance on Tuesday was his second Player of the Match in the IPL Finals after 2017 when he scored 47 off 38 balls to help Mumbai Indians win the title by beating the now-defunct Rising Pune SuperGiants.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) After 18 seasons filled with heartbreaks, near misses, and unwavering belief, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally etched their name in IPL history, clinching their maiden Indian Premier League title. The franchise edged out Punjab Kings by six runs in a thrilling IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, sending fans into wild celebration—and leaving Virat Kohli in tears.

At the heart of RCB’s long-awaited triumph stood Kohli, the soul of the team since its inception in 2008. Though his 35-ball 43 anchored RCB's innings, it was the post-match scenes that truly defined the night.

The moment the final ball was hit and victory sealed, Kohli collapsed to the ground, overcome with emotion. Moments later, he was enveloped in tight, tearful hugs—first by his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, and then by his former teammate and close friend, AB de Villiers, who had flown in to witness the historic moment.

"What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous, told him 'this win is as much yours as it is ours. I want you to celebrate with us'. He's been the POTM most times in the franchise despite being retired for four years. Tells you the impact he's had on the league, team and me. He deserves to be on the podium, lifting the cup."

The trio’s embrace was more than just celebration—it was a culmination of years of dedication, heartbreak, and resilience. De Villiers, who retired in 2021, had stood beside Kohli through RCB’s toughest phases. Watching the team lift the trophy brought a deeply personal sense of closure.

“It’s not just a title. It’s 18 years of belief, of commitment, of giving everything,” Kohli reflected after the match.

With the weight of history finally lifted, RCB and Kohli now have the fairytale ending they had been chasing for nearly two decades—surrounded by those who mattered most. The wait is over. The dream is real. The cup is home.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Virat Kohli remains a firm advocate for Test cricket as the Indian great once again expressed his opinion about youngsters playing the longest format after Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended their 18-year-long drought to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Kohli abruptly announced his retirement during the 2025 IPL season and will not be a part of the side that faces England for five Test matches over the next two months. His last appearance in the format came against Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25.

Kohli believes there is nothing more important than playing Test cricket and said only after you perform in the longest format, will respect the world a player for his game.

“You know, this moment is right up there with the best moments I've had in my career. But it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That's how much I value Test cricket. And that's how much I love Test cricket.

"So I would just urge the youngsters coming through, to treat that format with respect. Because if you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye and shake your hand and say, 'Well done, you played the game really well'. So if you want to earn respect in World cricket all over, take up Test cricket, and give your heart and soul to it. And when you walk out with wonders on the other side, then you gain respect to the cricket world with legends like yourself melting our hearts on the field and off the field," Kohli said on Tuesday.

Kohli bid adieu to his Test career with 9230 runs in 123 matches at an impressive average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. He wrapped up his Test career as the fourth-most successful Test captain overall with 40 wins, behind Graeme Smith (53 wins), Ricky Ponting (48 wins), and Steve Waugh (41 wins). He also has the most Test hundreds by an Indian captain, with Gavaskar (11 centuries) way behind his 20 tons.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) For a brief moment, it seemed like history might repeat itself! After Virat Kohli’s measured 35-ball 43 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were restricted to 190/9 by a disciplined Punjab Kings (PBKS) attack in the IPL 2025 final, another heartbreak appeared imminent for the veteran batter and his team.

Having suffered defeat in three previous finals across his 18-season IPL career, Kohli may have feared that the elusive title would once again slip away. But this time, fate had a different plan.

RCB’s bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya’s sensational 2/17 from four overs, produced a spirited comeback to restrict Punjab Kings to 184/7 and seal a dramatic six-run victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium, finally ending their long-standing title drought.

While Shashank Singh nearly pulled off a miracle with a fighting 30-ball 61* — including three sixes and a four off the final over — RCB held their nerve to lift their maiden IPL trophy, adding it to their Women’s Premier League (WPL) crown from earlier in the season.

Long branded as underachievers, RCB finally buried that tag with a complete campaign in 2025, finishing second in the league stage and earning a direct ticket to the final after defeating PBKS in Qualifier 1.

On the night of the final, it was Krunal Pandya who shone brightest. He dismissed the dangerous Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis, stalling Punjab’s chase at key moments. Bhuvneshwar Kumar chipped in with 2/38, while Romario Shepherd removed PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer — who had starred in the Eliminator with an unbeaten 87 — for just 1, leaving Punjab reeling at 98/4.

Iyer’s dismissal, edging behind off Shepherd, came right after Krunal had removed Prabhsimran with a miscued slog and Inglis in the middle overs, both crucial setbacks as PBKS struggled to keep up with the required rate on a slower surface.

Despite Shashank Singh’s late blitz, Punjab couldn’t recover from the cluster of wickets lost between overs 10 and 15, falling short in their second IPL final.

RCB Innings: Grit Over Glamour

Earlier, put in to bat, RCB got off to a modest start. Phil Salt smashed 13 off the first over from Arshdeep Singh but was dismissed by Kyle Jamieson in the second. Jamieson bowled smartly, finishing with figures of 3/48, while Arshdeep was the pick of the bowlers with 3/40, including two wickets in the final over.

Kohli and Mayank Agarwal steadied the innings, taking RCB to 55/1 by the end of the Powerplay. But Agarwal fell soon after for 24 (18), with Yuzvendra Chahal striking early in his spell.

Skipper Rajat Patidar (26 off 16) looked fluent, hitting a couple of sixes off Chahal and Jamieson, but fell lbw to a cleverly disguised slower ball from the Kiwi. Kohli anchored the innings through the middle overs, finding boundaries with ramps and flicks but fell in the 15th over for 43 (35), mistiming a short ball from Azmatullah Omarzai.

Jitesh Sharma added urgency with a 10-ball 24, hitting three sixes in quick succession, including a brilliant Dilscoop and a pulled six off Jamieson. His fireworks, alongside a cameo from Romario Shepherd (17 off 9), lifted RCB to a competitive total.

Despite Arshdeep’s heroics in the final over, which saw him dismiss Pandya and Bhuvneshwar while conceding just three runs, RCB’s 190/9 proved just enough.

Kohli’s Emotional Milestone

For Virat Kohli, this victory was more than just a trophy — it was the culmination of 18 years of loyalty, perseverance, and passion for a franchise that had often faltered at the final hurdle.

His emotional collapse to the ground after the final ball, his post-match embrace with AB de Villiers, and his heartfelt words in interviews captured the significance of the moment — both personally and historically.

Brief Scores:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 190/9 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 43, Rajat Patidar 26, Jitesh Sharma 24; Arshdeep Singh 3/40, Kyle Jamieson 3/48)

Punjab Kings: 184/7 in 20 overs (Shashank Singh 61*; Krunal Pandya 2/17, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/38)

Result: RCB won by 6 runs.

Source: IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) After an 18-year-long wait filled with heartbreak and near-misses, Virat Kohli finally lifted the Indian Premier League trophy as Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their maiden title with a thrilling six-run win over Punjab Kings in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Tuesday.

Kohli, who scored 43 off 35 balls in the final, was overcome with emotion as the moment he had chased for nearly two decades finally became reality.

“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. I’ve given this franchise my youth, my prime, and all my experience. I tried to win it every season, and gave it everything I had. Honestly, I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion when we won,” Kohli said in a post-match interview.

RCB posted a competitive 190/9 on the back of Kohli’s knock, before all-rounder Krunal Pandya turned the game with a masterful spell of 2/17. Punjab Kings, despite a strong start, fell just short in the tense final moments.

Reflecting on his journey with the franchise, Kohli acknowledged the role of legendary players who had been part of the RCB legacy, particularly AB de Villiers, who joined the celebrations from the sidelines.

“What AB has done for this franchise is incredible. I told him, ‘This is as much yours as it is ours.’ He’s been Player of the Match more times than anyone for RCB, even though he retired four years ago. He deserves to be on that podium, lifting the trophy with us,” Kohli said.

The 36-year-old, who remains the all-time leading run-scorer in IPL history, spoke candidly about his loyalty to the team and his motivation to keep pushing himself even at this stage of his career.

“I’ve stayed loyal to this team, and they’ve stayed loyal to me. My heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. There were other moments, but I stuck with RCB because it means everything to me,” he added.

Kohli also hinted at the approaching end of his career but made it clear that he intends to give his all until the very last day.

“There is an end date to every career. Before that day comes, I want to be able to say I gave it everything I had. I can't just be an ‘impact player’ — I want to contribute across 20 overs, in every way I can. That’s who I’ve always been. God’s given me the talent and perspective, and I want to use it to help the team however I can,” he said.

As RCB finally lifted the IPL trophy after years of heartbreak, Kohli’s tears on the field spoke louder than any words — a symbol of persistence, passion, and a dream finally fulfilled. Kohli finished the season with 657 runs from 15 matches, hitting eight half-centuries.

Source: IANS

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