Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s long-awaited IPL 2025 championship victory parade, which was expected to draw massive crowds in the heart of the city, has been called off due to persistent rain—a problem that has become a nagging and recurring issue in the city’s civic landscape. While the skies opened up to shower nature’s version of confetti, the celebratory march meant to honor RCB’s historic maiden IPL title win had to be shelved for safety and logistical concerns. Yet, all is not lost for die-hard fans eager to bask in their team’s triumph.

The Bengaluru rains, often unpredictable and relentless during this time of the year, once again disrupted public events, this time raining on what would have been one of the city's grandest sports celebrations. The BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) and local police officials, after assessing weather forecasts and drainage preparedness, concluded that holding a victory parade across the planned 3-kilometre route could create havoc for both the team and the public.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who lifted the trophy for the first time in 17 seasons, had hoped to mark the momentous achievement with an open-top bus parade starting from Cubbon Park and culminating at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, the city’s infamous waterlogging issues, made worse by choked stormwater drains and uneven roads, made such celebrations nearly impossible. Organizers were concerned that flooded routes and slippery conditions would pose safety threats to both the players and the thousands of fans expected to throng the streets.

The team has not forgotten its loyal supporters. The RCB management announced an alternate plan—an indoor felicitation ceremony at the Chinnaswamy Stadium itself, where fans can meet and greet their cricketing heroes. The event, to be held under covered stands with controlled access, will feature captain Faf du Plessis, star batter Virat Kohli, and the rest of the victorious squad. Fans who had registered earlier for the parade will be given priority access to the new event. Limited walk-in passes are also expected to be available on the RCB app and through select partner platforms.

Speaking on the change of plans, Virat Kohli said in a statement, “We’re as disappointed as our fans, but safety has to come first. Bengaluru’s love for us has been overwhelming, and we promise this celebration will be just as special. Whether it’s raining or not, we’ll make it memorable.”

RCB’s maiden IPL title has been a moment of long-awaited glory for the team and its fanbase, who have stood by the franchise through numerous highs and heartbreaks. Their thrilling victory in the final match, driven by Kohli’s elegant 77 and Yash Dayal’s nerve-wracking last over, has reignited fan fervor across the city and beyond.

Civic experts and netizens have once again drawn attention to Bengaluru’s decades-old struggle with urban flooding. Hashtags like #FixOurCity and #LetBengaluruBreathe trended on social media, with many pointing out how the city’s infrastructure continues to buckle under seasonal rains. The fact that even a celebration as awaited as RCB’s victory parade had to be cancelled has further highlighted the need for sustainable solutions.

While the rains may have washed away the parade, the spirit of celebration remains intact. Fans are still lining up outside team merchandise stores, painting the city red and gold with their jerseys, banners, and boundless energy. And come rain or shine, RCB’s long-suffering faithful are finally getting their moment of joy—a memory that no downpour can dampen.