Qatar Airways Ends Sponsorship Deal with RCB After Stampede Tragedy
Major Blow to RCB’s Brand Post-IPL 2025 Title Win
Just weeks after lifting their maiden IPL trophy, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been hit with a significant setback off the field. Qatar Airways, the team’s title sponsor for IPL 2025, has officially announced the termination of its sponsorship agreement following the tragic stampede during RCB’s victory parade in Bengaluru.
Sponsorship Deal Ends Abruptly Amid Public Backlash
The decision, confirmed by a spokesperson from Qatar Airways, was influenced by the negative press and reputational risk associated with the incident. The open-bus parade, held to celebrate RCB’s long-awaited IPL triumph, turned into a catastrophe when crowd mismanagement led to a stampede that killed four fans and injured dozens. The judicial inquiry into the tragedy placed responsibility on RCB’s organizers, sparking outrage both nationally and internationally.
Qatar Airways Issues Official Statement
In a brief but clear statement, Qatar Airways expressed condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized that the company prioritizes “brand partnerships aligned with safety, integrity, and public well-being.” The airline clarified that while it values its association with global sports, it cannot continue its partnership with an organization under scrutiny for public safety failures.
Financial and Reputational Impact on RCB
The loss of Qatar Airways—one of the most lucrative sponsorship deals in IPL 2025—is expected to have a significant financial impact on RCB. Experts estimate the deal to be worth around ₹70–80 crore per season, covering major jersey branding and campaign integrations. Beyond finances, this incident has also dented RCB’s brand image, which had just reached its peak after years of fan support and commercial buildup.
BCCI and Franchise Under Pressure
Following the sponsor exit, the BCCI may now face pressure to investigate the franchise’s event handling protocols more closely. There are also murmurs that other sponsors might reconsider their associations, especially those involved in public-facing campaigns. With this development, RCB’s management is expected to issue a detailed clarification and outline improved safety and compliance measures for future events.
A Sobering Aftermath to a Historic Season
What should have been a year of celebration for RCB is now turning into a crisis management scenario. While the IPL 2025 title win remains historic, the consequences of post-victory mismanagement are beginning to unravel. The end of Qatar Airways’ sponsorship deal marks a pivotal moment, showing that corporate partners are unwilling to be associated with controversy, even in the world of sports.