New Delhi, 2 July

IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have landed in further trouble after BCCI Ombudsman-cum-Ethics Officer Justice (Retd) Arun Mishra directed the franchise, along with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), to file written submissions over gross negligence during the team’s victory celebrations in City, which led to the death of 11 people.

The Ombudsman has granted RCB and KSCA four weeks to respond, following an official complaint filed by IPS officer Vikas Kumar.

The complainant has also urged the Ombudsman to bar the current owners from selling the franchise until the investigation into the tragedy is complete.

"Looking at the gravity of the incident, it is considered appropriate that the KSCA, as well as RCB be asked to submit their written replied to the complaint," Justice Mishra wrote in his directive. "(The) complaint alleges gross negligence and violation of safety norms by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. Complainant submits that accountability must be fixed."

One of the possible reasons for seeking a written explanation from the RCB could be the growing speculation within IPL circles that the franchise is considering a sale, with the current owners allegedly attempting to distance themselves from the recent tragedy.