India, June 5 -- Legendary India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani has voiced his dismay over the tragic stampede that marred Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL title celebration at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, calling it a "deadly welcome" for the newly crowned champions. The 1983 World Cup winner also drew a stark contrast between the controlled, grounded fandom of his playing days and the frenzied following seen in the IPL era.

The victory event, jointly held by the RCB management and the Karnataka government, turned fatal as massive, unregulated crowds overwhelmed the venue's security capacity. At least 11 people lost their lives, and nearly 50 were injured in the chaos. Kirmani, deeply moved by the tragedy, questioned both the timing and the m...