IPL 2025: Sunil Gavaskar emotional urge to BCCI after tragic Pahalgam attack

Maverick Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar made an impassioned plea to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as IPL 2025 resumes on May 17, after one week of suspension following growing tensions between India and Pakistan. The suspension was prompted by air raid alarms in the course of a Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals game at Dharamsala on May 9, against the backdrop of the unfortunate Pahalgam attack of April 22, 2025, when 26 were killed. Gavaskar, on May 13, 2025, appealed to the BCCI to dial down the glitz of the IPL, calling especially for no dancing girls or DJs in the last few games, with sensitivity towards those who "lost dear ones" in the attack.

Gavaskar's appeal comes as the IPL resumes with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clashing in Bengaluru, a game that is important for both teams to keep their playoff hopes alive. The ex-India captain laid stress on being sensitive, as the national sentiment after the Pahalgam tragedy, when militants attacked tourists in Kashmir, is one of sorrow. His message, posted extensively on social media, captures a wider sentiment of grief and respect for the victims, appealing to the cricket fraternity to eschew joy in favor of solemnity during this time.

A Call for Sensitivity in Cricket

Gavaskar's advice not to follow the traditional IPL glamour is in commemoration of those who have fallen victim to the attack. IPL, interrupted by a week amidst concerns of security, is once again restarting, albeit on an altered timetable, but Gavaskar's words hold because they reflect upon cricket bringing together the country amidst adversity.

"No DJs, dancing girls": Sunil Gavaskar's blunt message as IPL resumes, keeping in mind those who 'lost dear ones'#SunilGavaskar #IPL2025https://t.co/2IdscJ58lb

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) May 13, 2025

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With sides such as Gujarat Titans at the top of the points table and RCB and Punjab Kings fighting for it, the attention now turns not only to cricket but to honoring the seriousness of what has transpired in recent times. Gavaskar's words are a reminder that, above the sport, cricket also has a role to mirror national feeling.