New Delhi, May 28 – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to attend the IPL 2025 final on June 3 in Ahmedabad, where the event’s closing ceremony will feature a special tribute to the armed forces for their valour during Operation Sindoor.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the development in an official media statement on Tuesday.
“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,” Saikia told PTI.
Tribute to Armed Forces
Saikia emphasized that the BCCI salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of the Indian armed forces. He described Operation Sindoor as a symbol of national strength and resolve, and said the tribute is meant to reflect the nation’s gratitude.
“As a tribute, we have decided to dedicate the closing ceremony to the armed forces and honour our heroes. While cricket is a national passion, there is nothing greater than the sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country,” he said.
Service Chiefs Invited
The invitation has been extended to the following top military officials:
- General Upendra Dwivedi – Chief of Army Staff
- Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi – Chief of Naval Staff
- Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh – Chief of Air Staff
Several decorated officers and soldiers are also expected to attend the match, which promises to be a grand celebration of sport and national pride.
Backdrop: Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people, including many tourists, were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists.
India’s swift military retaliation led to a brief but intense stand-off with Pakistan, which eventually appealed for a ceasefire. The operation, seen as a tactical success, drew praise for its precision and restraint, and restored public confidence in national security.
A Night to Remember
The IPL final, already anticipated for its cricketing spectacle, will now also serve as a platform for national unity and homage. The closing ceremony is expected to feature visual tributes, patriotic performances, and acknowledgments of the armed forces’ sacrifices.
