BCCI to honour Indian Armed Forces during IPL 2025 closing ceremony at Narendra Modi Stadium

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to pay a special tribute to the Indian Armed Forces during the IPL 2025 closing ceremony, scheduled for June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. This decision follows the success of Operation Sindoor, in which the Indian Armed Forces neutralized several terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

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BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to media sources that the closing ceremony will specifically honor the Indian Armed Forces. “Yes, the IPL 2025 closing ceremony will honour the Indian Armed Forces,” he stated. According to sources, invitations have already been extended to Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Navy Staff Dinesh K Tripathi, and Chief of Air Staff AP Singh.

A musical performance by military bands is expected to accompany the tribute, with several prominent singers likely to perform during the closing ceremony, just before the grand IPL finale.

Earlier this season, the IPL faced a one-week suspension due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. However, the tournament resumed after a ceasefire was announced. Upon resumption, the BCCI expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces by having players sing the national anthem and displaying messages of “Thank you, armed forces” on giant screens.

This is not the first time the BCCI has honored the armed forces; in 2019, a military band performed at the IPL opening ceremony, and the board pledged Rs. 20 crore for armed forces’ welfare after the Pulwama attack.

As for the playoffs, Punjab Kings have secured their place in Qualifier 1. Depending on upcoming results, they will either face Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Gujarat Titans.