IPL 2025: BCCI to honour Indian Armed Forces during closing ceremony

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will pay a special tribute to the Indian Armed Forces during the closing ceremony of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 3, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the event is set to celebrate the bravery and service of India’s military forces during the recent Operation Sindoor.

The heightened border tensions led to a one-week suspension of IPL 2025. However, the tournament resumed following a ceasefire, and the BCCI has expressed appreciation for the Armed Forces’ role in protecting the nation. The special gesture that will take place ahead of the summit clash was confirmed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

“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,” said BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia in an interaction with Sportstar.

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Ever since IPL 2025 resumed on May 17, the BCCI has paid tributes across multiple venues. Players have been seen singing the national anthem before matches, with messages like “Thank you, Armed Forces” displayed at the stadium screens.

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

This isn’t the first time the BCCI has honoured the armed forces during the IPL. In 2019, the opening ceremony in Chennai featured a military band, and the board pledged INR 20 crore for the welfare of the armed forces after the Pulwama attack, where 44 CRPF personnel were martyred.

The final which was originally set to be held in Kolkata on May 25 but was moved to Ahmedabad due to weather concerns. Now, the playoffs are scheduled to begin on May 29, and top teams like Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians are in contention.