IPL chair Arun Dhumal has responded firmly to criticism following the tragic stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title celebration. With 11 lives lost and dozens injured, questions have been raised about crowd control and accountability but Dhumal says the IPL cannot be blamed for an event they neither organised nor attended. Speaking to India Today, Dhumal clarified that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had no direct role in the victory parade and were unaware of the scale of celebrations planned outside the stadium. “It is sad and tragic. The celebrations turned into a tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families who lost their loved ones. For the BCCI, the IPL concluded last night. We had no knowledge of such an incident occurring, so how can we be held responsible for it?” Dhumal also emphasised that no IPL officials were present at the gates or involved in crowd management during the parade. According to him, the responsibility for public safety lies with local organisers and authorities, not the central cricket board. “How can we be held responsible for something like this? It is indeed a very tragic incident, and we extend our deepest condolences. But we cannot be held accountable for something over which we had no control. I am not certain if the stampede occurred directly outside the stadium—I have no specific knowledge of that. Have you seen any IPL officials present at the gate, managing the crowd or facilitating the players' entry?” asked Dhumal. No IPL Officials Present, Says BCCI; KSCA & RCB Facing Public Scrutiny Dhumal’s remarks come amid growing criticism of RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the parade. Over two lakh fans reportedly gathered in the vicinity of the stadium, overwhelming local police forces. Also Read: Virat Kohli Breaks Silence After RCB Parade Turns Deadly: 'Absolutely Gutted' RCB and KSCA have since announced INR 5 lakh compensation for each of the families affected by the tragedy, while Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah confirmed that the government would provide free treatment to the injured and financial aid to the family.