Latest news with #DevajitSaikia
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Dates for Asia Cup 2025 revealed
The ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 is tentatively scheduled to take place from September 12 to 28, with India, the designated host, likely to share hosting responsibilities with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the media reports, the UAE and Sri Lanka emerged as front-runners to co-host the event. However, it now appears that the UAE has been finalised as the neutral venue, likely to accommodate any fixture involving Pakistan. This follows a precedent set during past events, such as the Champions Trophy 2025, where India's matches were played in Dubai when Pakistan was the host. Earlier in May, rumours surfaced that India might skip the Asia Cup 2025, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly denied such claims. More recently, a promotional poster for the tournament featuring only India and Sri Lanka began circulating on social media, raising eyebrows over the absence of Pakistan and fueling speculations about their participation, particularly due to the strained political ties between the two neighbouring nations. Given the agreement reached between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last year — which limits their bilateral encounters to only neutral ICC or ACC tournaments — it is clear that a potential India vs Pakistan clash will not be played on Indian soil. Despite the logistical clarity, the biggest question remains India's confirmed participation. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia recently dismissed reports of India boycotting the event, reaffirming that the board is awaiting a nod from the Indian government regarding their participation. "There is no discussion or even a remote thought about boycotting matches. We play Pakistan in the ICC events and it will go on if our government doesn't say otherwise. As for the Asia Cup, we will know in the coming days," a BCCI official said. Interestingly, neither the BCCI nor the PCB objected when the International Cricket Council (ICC) grouped India and Pakistan together for the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup 2025, signalling a possible thaw in cricketing relations. Both boards are believed to be cautious about the potential repercussions of a boycott, as it could affect their standing and participation in future ICC or Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events. Improved Nafay Pakistan's emerging wicketkeeper-batter, Khawaja Nafay, shared valuable insights shedding light on his evolving training regime, focus areas, and the inspirational advice he received from cricketing greats. During a media interaction at the ongoing Skills Development Camp, Nafay expressed his satisfaction with the camp's impact, noting significant improvement in both his skills and mindset. "The skills camp has brought significant improvement. I'm working on power-hitting with Abdul Razzaq and also practicing extensively against spinners. We face around 800 balls a day, playing them quickly; it also strengthens our muscles. This practice will benefit us in the future," Nafay said. He reflected on a valuable interaction during the skills development camp, highlighting the inspiring advice he received from a cricket legend. "I got the opportunity to learn from Vivian Richards; he told me that if I play with self-belief, nothing will ever be difficult. Vivian Richards shared that he also played the most challenging shots with confidence in himself," he stated. Looking ahead, the young cricketer is determined to continue the same level of dedication beyond the camp. "I will try to continue training according to this plan even after the camp. The coaches have told me to work on my wicketkeeping as well. I've been advised to stay ready as a wicketkeeper too. I'm preparing myself to play according to all formats," he said. The middle-order batter concluded by highlighting his commitment to becoming a multi-dimensional player. "I will try to continue training according to this plan even after the camp. The coaches have told me to work on my wicketkeeping as well. I've been advised to stay ready as a wicketkeeper too. I'm preparing myself to play according to all formats," he concluded. It is pertinent to mention that the 23-year-old has significant experience in domestic T20 cricket, particularly in major franchise leagues. The right-handed batter has represented Quetta Gladiators in two seasons of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), playing 12 matches and scoring 234 runs at a strike rate of 130.00, including two fifties.
India.com
7 days ago
- Sport
- India.com
Bengaluru Stampede Tragedy: BCCI Issues Strict New Guidelines For IPL Title Celebrations
In response to the tragic stampede that occurred in Bengaluru last month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to introduce strict regulations regarding IPL victory parades and celebratory events. The move comes after 11 people lost their lives and many others were injured during a chaotic crowd incident that followed Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) historic IPL title win. Bengaluru Stampede Shakes Cricket Community The disaster unfolded outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium just hours after RCB clinched their maiden IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings. Massive crowds gathered at multiple events organized to celebrate the win, overwhelming the city's infrastructure. The result was one of the most devastating sports-related tragedies India has witnessed in decades. Initially, the BCCI distanced itself from the incident, stating it had no direct involvement in the planning or execution of the celebrations. However, amid growing public and media scrutiny, the board has now taken concrete steps to prevent such events in the future. Formation of Inquiry Committee To investigate the incident, the BCCI formed a three-member committee led by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. Vice-president Rajeev Shukla and treasurer Prabhtej Singh Bhatia are also part of the panel. Saikia confirmed that the board is 'taking every aspect of risk very seriously to avoid any future mishaps.' The committee's findings led to the formulation of a set of mandatory guidelines that IPL franchises must now follow if they wish to conduct victory parades or celebrations. New IPL Celebration Guidelines Rolled Out According to the new protocol, teams are barred from holding any celebration within three to four days of winning the IPL title. This is aimed at avoiding rushed, unplanned events that could pose a safety risk. In addition: - All events must receive prior written approval from the BCCI. - Permission must be obtained from district police, state governments, and civic authorities. - Teams are required to implement multi-layered security, from the airport to the event venue, to safeguard players, staff, and attendees. These measures are expected to drastically improve crowd management and safety during post-IPL festivities. Karnataka Government Responds with New Crowd Control Bill The Karnataka government has also taken action by proposing a new Crowd Management Bill, 2025, in response to the tragedy. According to Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil, the bill includes provisions to: Hold event organizers accountable for crowd safety Impose fines and jail terms of up to three years for mismanagement Patil also announced three other proposed bills during a cabinet meeting on June 19 addressing misinformation, hate speech, and the implementation of a bill named after Rohith Vemula.
News18
7 days ago
- Sport
- News18
BCCI To Impose Strict Rules After RCB Stampede: 'No Events Without Prior OK'
Last Updated: BCCI is enforcing strict guidelines for IPL trophy parades after the Bengaluru stampede that killed 11. Celebrations need prior clearance and multi-layered security. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in the process of implementing strict guidelines for IPL trophy parades and celebrations in the wake of the Bengaluru stampede that took the lives of 11 people and left several others injured last month. Thousands had gathered outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)'s maiden title win, just hours after they beat Punjab Kings in the final. Multiple events being held at the same time, and a lack of infrastructural readiness, led to one of India's biggest sporting disasters this century. The BCCI had initially distanced itself from the tragedy, saying it had no role in it, and then formed a three-member committee led by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, with vice-president Rajeev Shukla and treasurer Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as members. India Today quoted Saikia as saying that the board was 'taking every aspect of risk very seriously to avoid any future mishaps.' The report included a list of guidelines that, according to Saikia, would now be mandatory for all IPL franchises wanting to celebrate a win. These disbar teams from holding celebrations within three to four days of winning the title, and strictly prohibit quick turnarounds or rushed celebrations. All events will now require prior and written clearance from the BCCI, and formal approval from district police, state governments, and local civic authorities. Further, teams will have to ensure multi-layered security at all venues and during the transit of players and staff, with coverage spanning from the airport to the event venue. The Karnataka government has already proposed a new crowd management bill, which holds event managers responsible and imposes fines and upto three years of imprisonment. 'Four bills were proposed today — Karnataka crowd control, managing crowd at events and venue of mass gathering Bill, 2025; Karnataka Rohith Vemula Bill, 2025; Karnataka misinformation, fake news prohibition Bill, 2025; Karnataka hate speech and hate crimes prevention Bill, 2025," Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil told reporters on June 19. 'These Bills were proposed at the meeting today. I mentioned that on some Bills there is a need for a detailed discussion. It has been decided that before the next cabinet meeting, concerned ministers will meet and discuss and bring the Bills before the cabinet," he added. About the Author Cricketnext Staff First Published: June 22, 2025, 08:40 IST
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Victory parade: BCCI to make official permissions mandatory
New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to make it mandatory for all winning teams to secure prior permissions from relevant authorities first and also not rush into organising celebrations to avoid crowd incidents such as the stampede in Bengaluru on June 4 that marred Royal Challengers Bengaluru's long-awaited IPL success. Fans gather outside Chinnaswamy Stadium for the felicitation of IPL 2025 champions RCB. (PTI) Eleven people were killed and over 30 injured in the surge near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as the RCB squad assembled at its home venue, having ended an 18-year wait the previous night by finally winning the IPL title, beating Punjab Kings in the final played at Ahmedabad. While authorities in Bengaluru are investigating the incidents, BCCI's Apex Council met on June 14 and named a three-member committee to draw up guidelines for holding celebrations in the future. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who heads the panel, said on Saturday, 'The draft (report) will be ready within 15 days as decided, so by June 30.' The panel is expected to make it mandatory for any winning team to first secure all permissions from the state government concerned, including from the police, to ensure public safety is accorded top priority. It is also likely to be made mandatory for those clearances to be run through BCCI, Saikia said. Issues such as holding any team parade from the airport will also be considered. If there are any such plans, the panel is expected to suggest that a foolproof protocol be put in place. The final document will be sent to all franchises. BCCI treasurer Prabhtej Singh Bhatia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla are the other members of the panel that will formulate the guidelines. Following the stampede, the Karnataka cabinet has proposed a bill for crowd control, which is likely to have provisions of taking action against those not following police orders. It is also likely to hold the event planner liable to pay compensation in case of injuries or deaths. The Karnataka high court on Tuesday barred the police from expanding the scope of its investigation beyond its initial FIR (first information report). The court also extended the interim protection from arrest granted to senior officials of RCB, Karnataka State Cricket Association and the firm that organised the event in the stadium until July 8. According to the Karnataka state, the stadium's capacity is around 30,000, but over two lakh people reportedly gathered outside and around the venue, leading to the stampede.
India Today
21-06-2025
- Sport
- India Today
BCCI to enforce strict rules, security for IPL celebrations: Devajit Saikia
In the wake of the tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL title celebration that claimed 11 lives and left over 50 injured, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to implement strict rules governing post-IPL celebrations and road exclusively to India Today, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board is treating this matter with utmost seriousness and is 'taking every aspect of risk very seriously to avoid any future mishaps.' Saikia added that formalised guidelines will now be mandatory for all teams wishing to celebrate publicly after the the BCCI had earlier distanced itself from the Bengaluru incident, saying it had no role in organising the event, the board has since formed a three-member committee to draft and implement safety protocols for future celebrations. The move comes amid rising public concern and criticism after the chaotic scenes in BCCI rules for IPL victory celebrations To ensure public safety and accountability in the aftermath of the RCB stampede, the BCCI has proposed the following guidelines:No team will be allowed to hold celebrations within 3-4 days of winning the turnarounds will not be permitted to avoid rushed and poorly managed must seek formal permission from BCCI before organising any events can be held without prior written clearance from the 4 to 5-tier security protocolsMulti-layered security presence will be essential at all venues and during arrangements must cover team movement from airport to event full protection for players and staff throughout the event must be obtained from district police, state government, and local authoritiesAll celebrations must be greenlit by civic and law enforcement bodies to proceed legally and happened at the RCB celebration in Bengaluru?advertisementRCB's maiden IPL title sparked immense celebrations in Bengaluru. On June 4, the team brought the trophy home to a hero's welcome. They were first felicitated by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah at the Vidhana Soudha, followed by plans for a fan event at the M Chinnaswamy the Bengaluru Traffic Police denying permission for a celebratory bus parade due to anticipated congestion, the franchise announced the event publicly. Though the parade was ultimately cancelled, over two lakh fans had already gathered in the area by evening—far exceeding the stadium's capacity. The result was utter chaos, leading to a stampede outside the event, hastily arranged just a day after the IPL final, was criticised for poor planning and lack of coordination. Several were injured and 11 tragically lost their lives. Following the incident:RCB's Head of Marketing and two DNA Entertainment officials were Secretary and Treasurer resigned, taking moral Karnataka government held both RCB and BCCI accountable, citing severe lapses in security and crowd these new measures, the BCCI aims to avoid any repeat of the Bengaluru tragedy. As Saikia stated, the board will no longer tolerate loosely planned celebrations that put lives at risk.
