KSCA Shakeup: Secretary, Treasurer Resign After Chinnaswamy Stampede

In the aftermath of the tragic stampede at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed 11 lives, high-level resignations have rocked the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). A. Shankar and E.S. Jairam, serving as the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), officially submitted their resignations on Saturday, June 7, 2025, reportedly over growing pressure and mounting criticism surrounding the handling of the RCB victory celebration that led to the stampede.

"This is to inform that, in light of the unforeseen and unfortunate events over the past two days, and despite our limited involvement, we have decided to take moral responsibility. Accordingly, we submitted our resignations from our respective positions as Secretary and Treasurer of the Karnataka State Cricket Association through a letter dated June 6, 2025, addressed to the President of the KSCA," read a joint statement issued by Shankar and Jairam.

However, former India cricketer Raghuram Bhat remains the KSCA president.

Shankar and Jairam, both reputed auditors based in Bengaluru, have served as honorary office-bearers of the KSCA for the past three years. Their decision to resign comes in the wake of intensifying public outrage and increasing demands for accountability from the cricketing body.

The development comes just hours before KSCA's Finance and Managing Committee is scheduled to meet at 3 PM today.

On Friday, June 6, 2025, the Karnataka High Court directed the police not to take any coercive action against three members of the KSCA managing committee in relation to the FIR filed over the stampede incident outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The KSCA clarified that it had merely leased the Chinnaswamy Stadium to Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), the parent company of RCB, for the event.

Raghuram and the current office-bearers were elected unopposed in November 2022. The next KSCA elections are scheduled to take place later this year.

Government, Opposition Demand Answers

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has suspended top police officials, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, citing dereliction of duty. Meanwhile, opposition parties BJP and JD(S) have accused the state government of scapegoating officials to protect KSCA and political figures involved in organizing the event.

What's Next for KSCA?

With top office-bearers stepping down and public trust eroding, the KSCA now faces an uphill battle to restore its credibility. The outcome of the ECMC meeting will likely decide the future course of action, including possible disciplinary measures, reassignments, and stricter event management protocols.