The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the closing ceremony of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will be dedicated to the Indian Armed Forces. This special tribute comes in the wake of the successful completion of Operation Sindoor, during which Indian forces dismantled multiple terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
TRIBUTE TO BRAVERY AT NARENDRA MODI STADIUM
The grand finale of IPL 2025 will take place on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and will feature a ceremonial tribute to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the plans in a statement to Hindustan Times, saying, "Yes, the IPL 2025 closing ceremony will honour the Indian Armed Forces."
According to sources, the BCCI has extended formal invitations to top defence officials, including:
- Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan
- Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi
- Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
- Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES AND MILITARY PRESENCE
As part of the tribute, military bands are expected to perform during the ceremony, celebrating the courage and dedication of the armed forces. The BCCI is also reportedly bringing in top Indian singers to create a memorable musical experience ahead of the championship clash.
A senior BCCI official told Hindustan Times, “We are grateful for the unwavering service and bravery of our armed forces. The closing ceremony will be a heartfelt tribute to their efforts in Operation Sindoor.”
IPL 2025 TEMPORARILY HALTED AFTER PAHALGAM ATTACK
Earlier in the season, IPL 2025 had to be suspended for a week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The tournament resumed after a ceasefire was declared.
To mark the resumption, players at multiple venues stood in unity to sing the national anthem, and ‘Thank You, Armed Forces’ messages were prominently displayed on stadium screens, reinforcing public support for the military.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT: BCCI’S PREVIOUS TRIBUTES
This isn’t the first time the BCCI has recognised the nation’s defenders. In 2019, the opening ceremony featured a military band, and following the Pulwama attack, which killed 44 CRPF personnel, the BCCI contributed Rs. 20 crore toward the welfare of the armed forces.
IPL 2025 PLAYOFFS: WHAT’S NEXT?
The playoff schedule for IPL 2025 is as follows:
Qualifier 1: May 29 in Mullanpur
Eliminator: May 30 in Mullanpur
Qualifier 2: To be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Punjab Kings have already clinched their spot in Qualifier 1 after a victory over Mumbai Indians in Jaipur, which pushes the five-time champions into the Eliminator. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 if they beat Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday match RCB vs LSG. If RCB loses, Gujarat Titans will play against Shreyas Iyer’s team on May 29.
