The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had envisioned a grand and patriotic spectacle for the IPL 2025 final, scheduled for June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As a tribute to the Indian Armed Forces and the success of Operation Sindoor, the BCCI had extended a special invitation to the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to attend the closing ceremony and be part of the nation’s celebration.
However, in a surprising turn of events, a Dainik Jagran report confirmed that the heads of the Indian Armed Forces — Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh — have declined the BCCI’s invitation. While no official reason has been disclosed for their absence, it has led to last-minute changes in the final ceremony’s schedule.
ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya Compares Jasprit Bumrah to Mumbai Houses After Match-Winning Spell in Eliminator
Earlier, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia had proudly announced plans to host a military-themed celebration. This included live musical performances by bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and BSF, along with the presence of nearly 1,000 soldiers, officers, and their families in the stands. The ceremony was also to feature large screen visuals and short films showcasing stories of bravery from Operation Sindoor, aiming to infuse a sense of national pride among the fans.
आइपीएल फाइनल में नहीं जाएंगे तीनों सेना प्रमुख, तीनों सेनाओं और बीएसएफ के बैंड की प्रस्तुति होनी थी, अब नहीं होगी। अब शंकर महादेवन राष्ट्र भक्ति के गीत गाकर दर्शकों का उत्साहवर्धन करेंगे। पढ़ें पूरी खबर… pic.twitter.com/hWTtAmwhr6
— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) May 31, 2025
However, sources within the BCCI confirmed on Thursday that they received word from the central government that the military chiefs would not be attending the final. As a result, the BCCI has made several adjustments to the program.
Filling in the ceremonial gap, popular Bollywood singer Shankar Mahadevan will now lead the pre-match performance with a lineup of patriotic songs. The stadium will still wear a patriotic look, adorned with Indian flags and symbolic tributes to the Armed Forces.
WATCH – Ricky Ponting Pays Tribute to Virat Kohli’s Test Career: “One of India’s All-Time Greats”
On the cricketing front, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already sealed their place in the IPL 2025 final. After a dominant win over the Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator, the Mumbai Indians will now lock horns with the Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2. The winner of that clash will take on RCB on June 3, with both Punjab and Bengaluru eyeing their first-ever IPL title, while Hardik Pandya chases his maiden crown as MI captain.
