Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful defense of the IPL title on Sunday was accompanied by political criticism in Karnataka, with chief minister-designate DK Shivakumar claiming that Bengaluru had been unfairly denied the chance to host the final.
Buoyed by Virat Kohli’s fastest half-century in the IPL, RCB completed a comfortable chase of 156 to defeat Gujarat Titans by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in Gujarat and clinched a second successive IPL crown.
As celebrations erupted across Karnataka, Shivakumar said RCB fans in Bengaluru missed witnessing the title triumph in their home city.
“The RCB match was supposed to be played in Bengaluru. We were wronged. Due to politics, they held it at a different place. I won’t talk much about it,” Shivakumar said while reacting to the venue of the final.
He was speaking to reporters in Bengaluru when he added: “The RCB match should have been played in Bengaluru. An injustice has been done to us,” news agency PTI reported.
The remarks came as hundreds of fans celebrated RCB’s victory across Bengaluru, with fans gathering in different parts of the city after the team’s five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans.
Later, Shivakumar congratulated the franchise on social media, praising the team’s achievement and its association with the city.
“RCB has created history by clinching the Indian Premier League title for the second time in a row. With the determination, composure and heart of true champions, the team has made Bengaluru proud once again.
“Congratulations to the players, coaches, support staff and millions of fans who have stood by the team every step of the way.”
Outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru for winning the IPL title for the second time in a row.
“Throughout the tournament, the fearless style of cricket displayed by RCB seemed to leave the opposing teams without answers,” he said.
Hailing the title-winning campaign as a team effort, Siddaramaiah said the win sparked celebrations among fans across the country.
“This win, achieved through a united team effort, created a festive atmosphere in the homes of RCB fans everywhere,” he said.
“Celebrate indoors”
Even as celebrations continue, he appealed to fans to celebrate responsibly and follow police warnings issued for public safety.
“The state police department has issued certain guidelines regarding RCB’s victory celebrations. These are for your safety and well-being, so please ensure you follow them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru Police urged residents to avoid public gatherings and street celebrations in the interest of law and order.
“Bangalore City Police has issued a warning asking spectators and fans not to celebrate openly on the streets, especially not to disturb peace and security. We are checking vehicles. We will not allow any public celebrations. If anyone wants to celebrate, they can do so indoors,” news agency ANI quoted Bangalore City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh as saying.
