Bengaluru — A stampede-like situation outside the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru shocked cricket fans and authorities alike on Wednesday morning, as massive crowds gathered to secure tickets for the highly-anticipated T20 match between India and South Africa. The chaotic rush resulted in several people sustaining injuries, with at least 12 individuals hospitalised and many others treated for minor wounds at the venue.
Thousands of eager fans began lining up in the early hours outside the stadium’s southern gate, with hopes of grabbing last-minute physical tickets. However, poor crowd control, limited ticket counters, and a lack of proper queue systems created a bottleneck that spiraled out of control by mid-morning.
Eyewitness Account and Scene Details
According to multiple eyewitnesses, a large section of the crowd surged forward as the gates were about to open. The absence of barricades and crowd management personnel led to panic. People were pushed against each other, some fell, and a few were trampled in the rush.
“I saw a young boy faint. People were climbing over each other just to stay on their feet,” said Ravi Shankar, a local fan who had been in queue since 5 a.m.
While security forces did intervene, their response came after the situation had already worsened. Videos circulating on social media show fans breaking lines, jumping over fences, and some even scaling walls to get access.
BCCI and KSCA Under Fire
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are facing criticism for poor planning. Despite previous experiences of similar overcrowding incidents at Chinnaswamy, no digital ticket-only policy was enforced. Critics argue that a city as tech-savvy as Bengaluru should not rely on outdated offline ticket distribution methods.
Official Response
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda confirmed an inquiry into the matter. “This was an unfortunate lapse in coordination. While no fatalities have occurred, we take this seriously and will ensure accountability.”
KSCA, in an official statement, said, “We regret the incident and are providing full support to those injured. Steps will be taken to avoid such events in the future, including shifting entirely to online ticketing.”
Meanwhile, the injured have been admitted to Bowring Hospital and are said to be stable.
Key Takeaways
- Incident: Stampede occurred at Chinnaswamy Stadium due to a ticketing rush before the India vs South Africa T20 match.
- Injuries: At least 12 hospitalized; dozens suffered minor injuries.
- Cause: Poor crowd control, limited ticket counters, and lack of barricades cited.
- Authorities’ Response: Police promise inquiry; KSCA regrets incident and vows future improvements.
- Public Reaction: Fans and experts call for digital ticketing solutions and better safety measures.
Editorial Perspective
The Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede is a stark reminder that in the digital age, outdated offline systems can have dangerous consequences. While cricket brings together the nation, it must not come at the cost of public safety. A hybrid ticketing system, robust crowd management, and early preventive planning are not luxuries—they are necessities for any event drawing such massive crowds.
Last Updated on: Thursday, June 5, 2025 9:52 am by Kavya | Published by: Kavya on Thursday, June 5, 2025 9:52 am | News Categories: Sports
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