Image Source: Business Standard
The final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to take place on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, but it will be missing a significant presence: the three chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces. Despite receiving a special invitation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council, they won’t be attending.
Key Highlights
• Honoring the Armed Forces: The BCCI and IPL Governing Council had intended to use the IPL 2025 final as a moment to honor the armed forces and pay tribute to the victims of the recent tragic event in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 civilian lives.
• Special Invitation: All three service chiefs—Army, Navy, and Air Force—were invited just three days before the final. However, sources have confirmed that none will be present at the event.
• Tributes Continue: Even without the service chiefs, the IPL has planned tributes for the closing ceremony, including the national anthem before the match and messages of appreciation for the armed forces displayed on the stadium screens.
• Tournament Resilience: The IPL 2025 season faced a temporary suspension due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, but it has since resumed with a revised schedule and increased security following a ceasefire.
• RCB in the Spotlight: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already clinched their spot in the final, and they will be joined by the winner of Qualifier 2 for the championship showdown.
Outlook
While it’s certainly notable that the armed forces chiefs won’t be attending, the IPL’s commitment to recognizing and honoring the military is expected to resonate deeply with fans and the nation alike. The final is shaping up to be a memorable occasion, combining the thrill of high-stakes cricket with heartfelt tributes to those who protect the country.
Source: NDTV, Reuters, ESPNcricinfo
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