The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL 2025 Governing Council had invited the Chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force—General Upendra Dwivedi, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh—to attend the IPL final on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The invitation was made three days ago and had special attention to honor Operation Sindoor, a military response in relation to the Pahalgam terror attack by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. The plan was to honor the armed forces for their bravery in a special segment during the final.

Unfortunately, the three service chiefs will not be attending the IPL 2025 final because of ongoing commitments in relation to Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor was announced as a military action by the Indian Army on April 22, after the attack occurred. The Operation involved military action across the Line of Control and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The result was a suspension of the IPL for a week. Once India and Pakistan had agreed upon conditions for a ceasefire, the IPL resumed with a modified schedule, changing the final from May 26 to June 3 and switching other matches to six IPL venues.

In the resumed IPL season, the BCCI has supported the armed forces. Since the resumption, every match has started with the national anthem, and 'Thank You, Armed Forces' messages have been shown across stadium screens. The IPL final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and either the Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, or Gujarat Titans will honor and pay its respects to the forces and victims as a result of the Pahalgam tragedy. 

Operation Sindoor’s Ongoing Demands

The ongoing demands of Operation Sindoor ensure that the service chiefs maintain focus on national security and do not participate in the IPL final. The BCCI plans to conduct a tribute that will encompass, for example, patriotic imagery and remembering the sacrifices made by the armed forces. 

Also Read: Virat Kohli’s sister reacts passionately as RCB make IPL 2025 final [In Picture]

Though not attending the chiefs, the IPL final will host other military officers and soldiers as a show of solidarity for national unity. Although the BCCI's plan of tribute towards the armed forces will be conducted in the IPL final, the BCCI ultimately remains committed to promoting community through fan exposure of cricket.