“It’s really heartbreaking” - Rahul Dravid opens up on Bengaluru stampede tragedy during RCB IPL 2025 celebrations

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid recently opened up on the tragic incident during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s IPL 2025 celebrations outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru due to a stampede. Dravid, who hails from Bengaluru, called it a sad incident for the ‘sports-passionate city’, while expressing his condolences for the bereaved families.

Notably, the tragic incident led to 11 deaths and more than two dozen injuries to the fans outside the sporting venue. A few RCB and event management company officials have been arrested in the case.

Dravid told NDTV on Tuesday (June 10):

“Very disappointing. It's very sad. Bengaluru is a sports-passionate city. I come from here. People over here love all sports, not just cricket. They follow all the sports and also all the sporting teams, be it a football team or a kabaddi team. It's really heartbreaking that such an unfortunate incident happened. Our thoughts go out to everyone for unfortunately lost their lives and those who were injured.”

“Such a tragedy shouldn't have happened," he added.

It’s worth mentioning that Rahul Dravid represented the Bengaluru-based franchise in the three editions of the T20 league. He then joined the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2011. He is currently the head coach of the Jaipur-based franchise.

RCB owners looking to sell franchise after IPL 2025 glory – Reports

RCB owners are looking to sell their franchise just a week after ending their 18-year-long trophy drought in IPL 2025. According to Bloomberg, Diageo Plc is looking to sell the franchise partially or wholly. Diageo’s Indian unit, United Spirits Ltd., may seek a value of 2 billion USD. However, any decision is yet to be finalized.

The report surfaces at a time when India’s health ministry has banned the promotion of tobacco and alcohol brands in IPL to stop indirect advertisement of other unhealthy goods by sportspersons.

Diageo bought the franchise after business tycoon Vijay Mallya failed to pay creditors after Kingfisher Airlines folded in 2012. They also took over Mallya’s spirits business.