The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will pay a tribute to the Indian armed forces in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 closing ceremony at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on June 3. The BCCI has invited the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Navy staff and Chief of Air staff to the closing ceremony.
"BCCI salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation. As a tribute, we have decided to dedicate the closing ceremony to the armed forces and honor our heroes," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Sports Tak.
Earlier, the IPL 2025 was suspended for a week following air raid attempts of Pakistan military. The match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala was cancelled midway. The stadium was evacuated and players, coaches and staff were escorted back to their hotel.
The IPL 2025 resumed after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire. However, a few overseas players chose not to return. The governing council then announced a new rule allowing temporary replacements to fill in the overseas slots. In PBKS' first game after resumption, captain Shreyas Iyer thanked armed forces for their valour.
IPL paid tribute to Armed Forces in 2019 too
This won't be the first time IPL has paid a tribute to the armed forces. In 2019, after the Pulwama terror attack where 44 CRPF personnel were martyred, the BCCI had invited the military band for the opening ceremony at M.Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In addition, the league pledged to contribute Rs 20 crore to the armed forces.
Qualfier 1 and Eliminator spot yet to be confirmed
Over 1 lakh spectators will miss the IPL 2025 closing ceremony. Earlier, on May 26, Punjab Kings (PBKS) confirmed their spot in the Qualifier 1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will join them if they beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the last league stage game on May 27. If RCB lose to LSG, then Gujarat Titans (GT) will lock horns with PBKS in Qualifier 1. Then, RCB will take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in the eliminator game.