RCB launches RCB Cares to aid June stampede victims

Royal Challengers Bengaluru broke a monthslong silence on August 28, announcing a new welfare initiative called RCB Cares to support victims of the fatal stampede that followed the franchise's victory celebrations in June. The announcement came nearly three months after a crowd crush outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium left 11 people dead and more than 50 injured and amid ongoing legal and administrative scrutiny of the event. The social media message described the hiatus as a period of grief and said the new platform had been created to honour, heal and stand beside fans.

The crowd collapse occurred on June 4 during a victory parade and felicitation tied to RCB's first ever Indian Premier League title. The team had secured the championship under captain Rajat Patidar and coach Andy Flower, ending an 18 year wait when they beat Punjab Kings by six runs. The celebrations followed a season in which RCB finished second in the league stage and became the first side to win all seven of their away fixtures in a single campaign, with victories at venues including Eden Gardens, Chepauk and Wankhede.

In its statement to fans, the franchise said, "The Silence wasnt Absence. It was Grief," and...