The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will pay homage to the Indian Armed Forces and specifically honour the heroes of the recent Operation Sindoor. In a mark of respect, the BCCI has extended invitations to the chiefs of all three armed services to attend the high-profile finale scheduled for June 3rd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Operation Sindoor was the military operation undertaken by India following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22nd, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The BCCI and the IPL Governing Council have decided to use the platform of the tournament’s culmination to recognize the bravery and efforts of the armed forces involved in the operation.
“We have invited all three service chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces to attend the IPL final on June 3 in Ahmedabad. The theme is to honour our heroes of Operation Sindoor,” confirmed IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal. The invitations have been sent to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Chief of Air Staff.
The IPL 2025 season had faced a brief suspension earlier in May due to the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military action. Since the resumption of the tournament following a ceasefire agreement, the BCCI has consistently shown solidarity with the armed forces during every match, including the playing of the national anthem and the display of ‘Thank You, Armed Forces’ messages on stadium screens.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia further elaborated on this tribute, stating, “We have extended an invitation to all Indian Armed Forces chiefs, top-ranked officers, and soldiers for the IPL final in Ahmedabad to celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor. The BCCI salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces… As a tribute, we have decided to dedicate the closing ceremony to the armed forces and honour our heroes. While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country.”
The IPL 2025 final on June 3rd will not only be a contest for the coveted trophy but also a significant occasion to acknowledge the dedication and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.
Key Highlights:
- The IPL 2025 final on June 3rd in Ahmedabad will honour the Indian Armed Forces and Operation Sindoor.
- The BCCI has invited the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to attend the final.
- This tribute follows Operation Sindoor, which was conducted after the Pahalgam terror attack.
- The BCCI aims to recognize the bravery and service of the armed forces during the IPL final’s closing ceremony.