Gautam Gambhir has lauded the BCCI’s heartfelt initiative to dedicate the IPL 2025 closing ceremony to the Indian Armed Forces, recognising their heroic efforts during Operation Sindoor. The IPL final, now scheduled for June 3 in Ahmedabad, will host a special tribute to honour the bravery and sacrifice of India’s defence personnel.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited the chiefs of all three armed forces to attend the grand finale. These include General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff; Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Air Staff.

Calling it an “unbelievable step,” India men’s head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed deep respect for the gesture. “This is a great initiative by the BCCI. It reminds us that while cricket unites the nation, our real heroes are the ones who protect us every day. I salute both the Armed Forces and the BCCI for coming together to celebrate this,” Gambhir told ANI.

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BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, in a statement to PTI, confirmed the decision, stating, “We’ve invited top-ranking officers and soldiers to join us in Ahmedabad to mark the success of Operation Sindoor. It’s our small way of acknowledging their bravery.”

He added that while cricket is India’s beloved sport, the protection of the nation’s integrity and sovereignty is of utmost importance. “Through this tribute, we honor those who serve our country selflessly,” Saikia said.

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Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. Following this, the IPL 2025 season faced a brief suspension due to rising tensions during the India-Pakistan conflict, with the final being shifted from Kolkata to Ahmedabad.

The playoffs begin Thursday, setting the stage for a memorable finale.