RCB announce Rs 25 lakh each for families who lost members in Bengaluru stampede: 'Promise of compassion, unity and care'

NEW DELHI: After breaking its silence earlier this week on the June 4 tragedy that overshadowed their maiden IPL title celebrations at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday unveiled the details of their new initiative, 'RCB CARES', to honour the victims and support their families.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In a heartfelt statement on X, the franchise wrote:“Our hearts broke on June 4, 2025. We lost eleven members of the RCB family. They were part of us. Part of what makes our city, our community & our team unique. Their absence will echo in the memories of each one of us. No amount of support can ever fill the space they've left behind. But as a first step, and with the deepest respect, RCB has extended Rs 25 lakh each to their families. Not just as financial aid, but as a promise of compassion, unity, and ongoing care. This is also the beginning of RCB CARES: a long-term commitment for meaningful action that begins by honouring their memory. Every step forward will reflect what the fans feel, expect, and deserve.”The stampede outside Chinnaswamy during RCB's victory parade had claimed 11 lives and left 75 injured, casting a dark shadow over their historic IPL 2025 triumph. In the immediate aftermath, RCB maintained silence on social media — a move that drew both empathy and questions from fans. Their new initiative marks an attempt to channel grief into long-term action.According to the franchise, 'RCB CARES' will function as a sustained programme focused on community support and fan engagement. While immediate financial relief has been provided to bereaved families, the team emphasised this was “only the beginning” of its efforts to stand with those affected.The tragedy has already had wider repercussions. The ICC shifted Bengaluru's hosting rights for the Women's ODI World Cup to Mumbai, while the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) was forced to move the Maharaja T20 Trophy to Mysuru after being denied clearance for Chinnaswamy.Through 'RCB CARES', the franchise has sought to transform mourning into meaningful action. By declaring the victims “forever part of the RCB family” and pledging enduring care, RCB reassured its fans that their emotions and voices would guide every step forward.