Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their Indian Premier League title after defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While fans celebrated the historic achievement across the country, Bengaluru supporters hoping for a victory parade have been left disappointed.
As per the reports, RCB have decided against holding a public victory parade in Bengaluru following their title-winning campaign. The decision has reportedly been taken to avoid any crowd-related incidents and ensure public safety.
The franchise’s decision comes nearly a year after the tragic stampede that occurred during celebrations following RCB’s maiden IPL title victory in 2025. The incident near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium resulted in the loss of lives and triggered widespread public outrage.
With memories of that tragedy still fresh, RCB management has reportedly chosen not to organise large-scale public celebrations on city streets.
Another major factor is the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The event is scheduled to take place at Lok Bhavan, which is located close to key areas in Bengaluru that would typically witness heavy fan gatherings during an RCB celebration.
The political function is expected to attract a significant crowd and require extensive security arrangements, making it difficult for authorities to manage another large public event simultaneously.
Bengaluru Police had already issued advisory
Ahead of the IPL 2026 final, Bengaluru City Police had issued an advisory urging fans to avoid road celebrations, bursting crackers, public gatherings and activities that could disturb public order if RCB won the title.
Police officials had made it clear that public celebrations on roads would not be permitted, while encouraging fans to celebrate responsibly indoors.
Rajat Patidar pays emotional tribute to stampede victims
Despite leading RCB to a second consecutive IPL title, Rajat Patidar took a moment to remember the fans who lost their lives during the celebrations following the franchise’s maiden title win in 2025. Eleven people lost their lives amid RCB’s historic maiden IPL title celebration. The RCB skipper admitted that the joy of winning was mixed with sadness as the memories of the tragic incident remained fresh.
“Obviously, you feel bad. You lost your fans after winning the game. Not just the fans, they are the family members,” Patidar said. The 31-year-old further dedicated the trophy to the victims, saying the loss was difficult to put into words. “I always want to dedicate this trophy to them. That’s it. I don’t have words to express that feeling,” he added.
RCB complete historic title defence
Despite the absence of a victory parade, IPL 2026 will remain a memorable season for the Bengaluru franchise. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final to become only the third team in IPL history after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to win back-to-back titles.
Virat Kohli was the key architect with the bat for RCB in the chase with an unbeaten 75 off 42 deliveries, while RCB’s pace attack, led by Rasikh Dar Salam, Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, played a crucial role in restricting Gujarat Titans to 155/8.
