Months after the M Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli broke his silence and expressed his condolences, reported PTI.

The stampede took place after nearly 3 lakh people gathered to witness RCB’s maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy celebrations at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4. In the incident, 11 people were killed and over 50 others were injured.

Taking to X, Kohli said in a post shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), “Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th. What should’ve been the happiest moment in our franchise’s history… turned into something tragic. I’ve been thinking of and praying for the families of those we lost and for our fans who were injured. Your loss is part of our story now. Together, we will move forward with care, respect and responsibility.”

Financial aid of ₹25 lakh to deceased’s kin:

The₹25 lakh each”> RCB in August announced financial assistance of ₹25 lakh each to the families of the deceased and expressed grief and solidarity.

The franchise expressed grief over the loss on Instagram and assured continuous support to the bereaved families under their new initiative, “RCB CARES.”

“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,” the statement read.

Stating that the ₹25 lakh aid is not just financial support, RCB said that it is also a “promise of compassion, unity, and ongoing care” for the affected families. RCB outlined the framework of RCB Cares on Monday, its long-term commitment to fans. The programme focuses on supporting, empowering, and elevating the 12th Man Army through meaningful actions.

Over the coming months, after obtaining necessary permissions, RCB Cares will extend its support beyond financial aid to provide fast, transparent, and compassionate assistance to fans and families impacted.