The bond between sports teams and their fans often runs deeper than just weekend entertainment. It becomes a lifelong affair that gets woven into identity and routine. In one such case of devotion to his favourite team, Shivanand Mallannavar from Belagavi, a Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fan, has turned his cricketing fervor into a public plea. As RCB storms into the IPL 2025 final, Mallannavar has written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with a request to declare a public holiday if RCB finally lifts their first-ever IPL trophy.
Mallannavar’s unique proposal suggests that the day of a potential RCB victory be officially designated as “RCB Fans’ Festival,” drawing a parallel to Karnataka Rajyotsava, the state’s formation day, according to an India Today report. His letter further advocates for this date to become a recurring state holiday, allowing fans across Karnataka to partake in statewide celebrations and district-level events commemorating the team’s triumph.
Another crazy fan of RCB
The plea has ignited social media, with fans enthusiastically rallying behind the unconventional yet deeply emotional request. Adding to the surge of viral fan fervor, a woman in Chandigarh captured national attention during Thursday’s match with a bold placard in Hindi: “Agar RCB final nahi khelegi toh main apne pati se talak le loongi” — “If RCB doesn’t reach the final, I will divorce my husband.” Dressed in a striking red saree, her declaration instantly made her an internet sensation.
Meanwhile, RCB clinched its spot in the IPL 2025 final after a thrilling victory against the Punjab Super Kings in Qualifier 1. This crucial win has amplified fan hopes of finally ending the franchise’s 18-year-long title drought. Despite being one of the league’s most popular teams, RCB has famously never lifted the coveted IPL trophy.
IPL 2025 Qualifier 2: PBKS vs MI
Mumbai Indians are set to take on a shaken Punjab Kings in a do-or-die Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Ahmedabad. This match is a virtual semifinal, with the winner moving closer to the coveted IPL trophy.
The Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, will need to quickly bounce back from their crushing eight-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1. Their dream of a maiden IPL title hangs in the balance as they face a formidable opponent.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians are on a roll, having secured a dominant victory against the formidable Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator. They’re eyeing a potential sixth IPL title and will undoubtedly present a stern test for the Punjab Kings’ character.
