In a gesture of national gratitude and solidarity, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended special invitations to the Chiefs of India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with senior officers and soldiers for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final to be held on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The move, announced by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, is aimed at commemorating the success of Operation Sindoor, a large-scale counter-terrorism offensive carried out by Indian Armed Forces earlier this month in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
“We have extended an invitation to all Indian Armed Forces chiefs — General Upendra Dwivedi (Army), Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi (Navy), and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (Air Force) — as well as other top-ranked officers and jawans, to attend the IPL final,” Saikia told. “It’s our way of honouring their bravery and the successful execution of Operation Sindoor.”
The IPL 2025 season, which faced a brief suspension on May 9 due to rising cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, resumed after security assessments. The military action in question, Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 and led to the elimination of over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
By inviting the Armed Forces to the title clash, the BCCI aims to blend sport and patriotism, showcasing cricket as a platform for national unity and tribute. The final in Ahmedabad, one of the biggest sporting events on the Indian calendar, will now also serve as a moment of national remembrance and recognition of the Armed Forces’ service.
The IPL final promises to be more than just a cricketing showdown — it will also be a celebration of courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of India.
