Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) much-awaited IPL victory parade was cancelled on Wednesday due to traffic and logistical concerns, sparking disappointment among fans and criticism from political leaders.

The team’s celebration, originally planned as a grand procession through Bengaluru’s Central Business District (CBD), has now been restricted to a closed-door felicitation ceremony at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The abrupt change drew sharp criticism from Bengaluru Central MP and BJP leader PC Mohan, who accused the Karnataka government of “poor planning.”

PC Mohan criticises last-minute changes

“RCB fans waited 18 years for this moment, and there’s no victory parade? While traffic concerns are real, the Karnataka government had ample time to plan better,” Mohan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Celebrations shouldn’t feel like an inconvenience. They should feel like a festival, especially in Bengaluru.”

RCB won their maiden Indian Premier League title on Sunday night in a six-run thriller against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

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Police cite traffic and crowd concerns

Bengaluru Police issued an advisory on Tuesday afternoon confirming that the parade, which was to begin at Vidhana Soudha and end at the stadium, had been cancelled. Authorities cited heavy traffic congestion, crowd control issues, and inadequate parking in and around key city zones.

“There will be no open-top bus parade for RCB,” police said, urging the public to avoid roads between 3 PM and 8 PM and recommending Metro use for those attending the felicitation.

RCB felicitation to be held at stadium

The felicitation event will now be held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium from 5 PM to 6 PM. Entry is strictly limited to ticket or pass holders. The RCB squad, expected to land at HAL Airport by 1:30 PM, will first meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Vidhana Soudha before heading to the stadium.

Fans express disappointment

The cancellation has disheartened many RCB supporters, who had gathered at key city locations hoping to cheer the players in a public celebration. Social media saw an outpouring of frustration and disappointment, though the city continues to remain in a celebratory mood following the historic win.