Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has raised concerns over what he termed as 'injustice' meted out to Bengaluru, despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinching the IPL 2026 title. Speaking to the media, Shivakumar expressed that while the team's victory was a moment of pride, the city and its residents have not received their due recognition and benefits.
Shivakumar's Statement
Shivakumar said, 'The final was supposed to be a celebration, but why was injustice done to Bengaluru? RCB won the trophy, yet the city's contributions and the passion of its fans were overlooked.' He emphasized that Bengaluru, as the host city, deserved better infrastructure and acknowledgment from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the state government.
Infrastructure Concerns
The Deputy CM pointed out that despite RCB's success, the Chinnaswamy Stadium and surrounding areas faced issues like inadequate parking, poor crowd management, and lack of basic amenities. He urged the authorities to address these shortcomings for future events.
Recognition for Fans
Shivakumar also highlighted the role of RCB's loyal fanbase, stating, 'Our fans are the backbone of the team. They deserve better facilities and recognition.' He called for a dedicated fan zone and improved public transport on match days.
The remarks come as RCB celebrated their maiden IPL title, defeating Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling final. The victory was met with widespread jubilation across Karnataka, but Shivakumar's comments have sparked a debate on the city's preparedness and treatment during major sporting events.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has yet to respond to the allegations. The state government has assured a review of the infrastructure issues raised by the Deputy CM.
