The closing ceremony of IPL 2025 will be dedicated to the Indian Armed Forces as a tribute to their Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that resulted in the death of 26 innocent civilians. The Indian army conducted military operations in several locations targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia says the board acknowledges and salutes the courage and selfless services of the Indian armed forces.

“The Board 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," Saikia told Sportstar.

As per the report, BCCI has invited the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Navy Staff and Chief of Air Staff for the ceremony, which will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3.

“While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country," Saikia said.

The IPL 2025 was suspended for a week in the wake of the India-Pakistan conflict. However, after the two countries announced a ceasefire, the season resumed with a tweaked schedule.

The remainder of the season is now being conducted across six venues, with the final postponed from May 26 to June 3.

The ceremony will reportedly feature a performance by the military bands.

Since the resumption, BCCI has been paying tribute to the armed forces with the national anthem being sung before the matches, while ‘Thank you, armed forces’ is being flashed on giant screens at the venues.

IPL Playoffs

Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians have qualified for the playoffs, which will get underway from May 29.

Source: India Today