Dozens were injured as fans attempted to enter a stadium through a small gate

At least 11 people died and over 50 have been injured in a stampede at a cricket stadium where celebrations to mark their team's first Indian Premier League (IPL) title were taking place.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when a massive crowd gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Indian Bengaluru to celebrate the Royal Challengers' victory over Punjab Kings. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the stadium, which has a capacity of 35,000, was overwhelmed by an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 people. 

No one had expected "such a huge crowd," according to the minister. The surge led to chaos as fans attempted to enter the stadium through a small gate, resulting in the fatal stampede. 

Media reports suggest that a rumor about free passes being distributed at another gate had intensified the crowd's movement, contributing to the tragedy. Emergency services faced difficulties reaching the victims due to the dense crowd. In response to the incident, a planned victory parade was canceled over safety concerns. 

The secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Devajit Saikia, expressed regret, stating, "It is very unfortunate. This is a negative side of popularity. People are crazy for their cricketers. The organizers should have planned it better." 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered condolences, describing the event as "heartrending" and expressing his thoughts for those who lost loved ones. 

The stampede has overshadowed Royal Challengers Bengaluru's historic IPL victory, raising concerns over crowd management and safety protocols at large public gatherings. In January, at least 30 people were killed as tens of thousands of Hindu devotees rushed to bathe in a sacred river during the Maha Kumbh festival, the world's largest religious gathering.