RCB Makes Emotional Post On Social Media 84 Days After Horrific Chinnaswamy Stampede, Says 'Silence Wasn't Absence...':

IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru has finally broken it's silence on social media 84 days after the Bengaluru stampede incident in whcih 11 lives were lost and 56 others injured in a crowd crush outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

In a post shared on Thursday, the franchise says they have launched RCB Cares in response to the tragedy that unfolded a day after the franchise won their maiden IPL title.

Here’s the full statement," Dear 12th Man Army, this is our heartfelt letter to you. It’s been close to three months since we last posted here.The Silence wasn’t Absence. It was Grief."

"This space was once filled with energy, memories and moments that you enjoyed the most.. But June 4th changed everything.That day broke our hearts, and the silence since then has been our way of holding space."

The statement further said,"In that silence, we’ve been grieving. Listening. Learning. And slowly, we’ve begun to build something more than just a response. Something we truly believe in."

"That’s how RCB Cares came to life. It grew out of a need to honour, to heal, and to stand beside our fans. A platform for meaningful action shaped by our community & fans."

"We return to this space today, not with celebration but with care. To share. To stand with you. To walk forward, together. To continue being the pride of Karnataka.RCB Cares. And we always will."

How has the stampede incident affected M Chinnaswamy Stadium?

The reputation of the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has taken a hit post the stampede episode. Mumbai has replaced Bengaluru as one of the five venues for next month's women's ODI World Cup due to "unforeseen circumstances", the ICC announced.

The Chinnaswamy had been declared incapable of hosting big events following an inquiry into the stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebrations earlier this year.