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Michael Clarke called the Bengaluru stampede “devastating” and a “sad end” to an incredible cricket season.
A section of the crowd outside Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. Pic/PTI
Former Australia captain and pundit Michael Clarke has expressed his feelings about the Bengaluru stampede tragedy, calling it ‘devastating’ and a ‘sad end’ to an incredible season of cricket. He hoped that such a disaster would never happen again, while also wishing it wouldn’t bring more distance between the atheletes and fans.
11 people died and at least three times that number were estimated to be injured during Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s victory parade to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, celebrating their maiden IPL title. Under-preparedness of the infrastructure, free tickets on a first-come-first-served basis for the event, additional political events and an over-enthusiastic crowd are being cited as the reasons behind it.
“It’s devastating to see anybody get injured or hurt or even worse, pass away is absolutely devastating,” Clarke said on his Beyond23 Cricket podcast on Friday. “Hopefully, we never see this again. And I think the players should be able to celebrate with the fans, even if it’s a packed stadium, take the players to the stadium and let them do a lap of honour at their home ground, something like that.”
“Whatever it is, I hope this doesn’t stop players and fans being able to celebrate together because I think the fans deserve it. But you never, ever want to see someone get hurt or injured or pass. So yeah, thoughts are with all the families. Devastating news. It certainly was a sad end to what has been an absolutely incredible season,” he added.
An FIR has been lodged by the Bengaluru police, implicating RCB and several other stakeholders. Investigations are ongoing in the case.
Clarke picks India’s number three for England Tests
Speaking further on the show, Clarke also picked Sai Sudharsan as India’s number three for the upcoming five-Test series against England, lauding him for his returns for the Gujarat Titans at IPL 2025.
“Forget he’s the leading run scorer, but to me, this kid is a superstar,” Clarke said. “He left hander. I think he’s a number three in test cricket. I think he’s probably going to open the batting in time in India’s T20 team. He’s in their test squad. He gets his first opportunity in England. I think he can walk straight into bat number three. I think technically he’s very good. He’s got all the shots and mentally he’s ready. He really impressed me. And he’s a good looking player as well. He’s got that left hander backlift. He plays all the shots; against the quicks he’ll take on the short ball…”
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