The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has planned a special tribute to the Indian Armed Forces during the IPL 2025 final. The closing ceremony, scheduled for June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, will celebrate the courage and sacrifice of the military after the continuous cross-border tensions this month.
Special IPL 2025 closing ceremony
This comes after the BCCI paused the tournament for 10 days earlier this month due to rising tensions with Pakistan. During that period, India faced a serious missile attack on its northern regions. In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched counter-operation as well, with several Indian cricketers praising the Indian army as well.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the closing ceremony will be fully dedicated to the armed forces. Chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Defence Staff have been invited to attend on June 3.
“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,” the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Sportstar.
IPL 2025 tribute to Operation Sindoor across the season
Since the IPL resumed after Operation Sindoor, tributes to the armed forces have been seen at multiple venues. Fans at Wankhede Stadium chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and giant screens have flashed messages thanking the military. Players also sang the national anthem before matches.
This is not the first time the IPL has saluted the forces. In 2019, after the Pulwama attack, the BCCI included a military band in the opening ceremony and pledged Rs 20 crore for armed forces’ welfare. With over one lakh fans expected at the final, the IPL 2025 closing ceremony is set to be an emotional moment, especially for the ones present at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
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