IPL 2025: BCCI to Honour Armed Forces for 'Operation Sindoor' at Grand Closing Ceremony

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the closing ceremony of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will feature a special tribute to the Indian Armed Forces for their role in the recently concluded and highly successful ‘Operation Sindoor.’ The event will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3.

Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor was a coordinated offensive by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was a response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. Terrorist outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen were reportedly the main targets of the strike.

In recognition of the bravery and sacrifice of the armed forces, the BCCI has decided to infuse the IPL 2025 closing ceremony with a patriotic theme. The Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the Chief of Defence Staff, have been formally invited to attend the ceremony. BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia stated, “The valour and selfless service of the armed forces is an inspiration to the nation. We dedicate this ceremony to them as a salute to the courage behind the success of ‘Operation Sindoor.’”

The IPL 2025 final, originally scheduled for May 25, was postponed to June 3 due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the operation. As a result, the league observed a week-long break. The playoff stage will now begin on May 29, with the Qualifiers and Eliminator matches scheduled to be held in Mullanpur. With this gesture, the BCCI aims to use cricket’s vast platform to highlight the dedication and heroism of the Indian Armed Forces, bringing their story to millions of fans around the world.