The highly anticipated IPL 2025 Final between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium got under way with a rousing and emotional tribute to the Indian Armed Forces. The ceremonious opening ceremony, brimming with emotion and patriotism, started on a somber yet resounding note ahead of the high-voltage cricketing action.

Renowned singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan was the lead performer for the tribute and wowed the immense audience with a host of patriotic songs. His memorable performance captured the hearts of fans around the world when the audience spontaneously applauded on their feet, and you could feel the people feeling reverence and unity in the stands. And then, to make the musical tribute even more special, Mahadevan was joined by his two sons, Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan, in a generational performance in honor of our nation’s selfless defenders.

Adding to the poignancy, veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle Harsha Bhogle addressed the audience in his wonderful and emotional style. Bhogle spoke about the Armed Forces and their obligations of selfless service, sacrifice, and a lifetime of steadfast resolve to our warriors. Whereas Bhogle talked, there was a pre-recorded emotional montage that had run of the Indian Army and their sacrifice and dedication to India had covered the big screen; it was a surreal visual for most in the crowd, and you could see the crowd collectively moved.

A Night to Remember

The powerful tribute reached a climax as the Indian tricolor was unfurled to chants of “Jai Hind,” marked by a dazzling choreographed performance by a troupe of dancers attired in theme costumes. Their elegant yet high-spirited movements captured the essence of oneness and sacrifice, hailing the true heroes who stand sentinel over the country's sovereignty.

Watch the video here

Lighting up the #Final with an enthusiastic Tribute Ceremony 🇮🇳#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile pic.twitter.com/b0WptvNnIO

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

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When the tribute was complete, the celebration ascended to a higher level with exciting performances of Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Disha Patani, Varun Dhawan and Shreya Ghoshal, Karan Aujla, and others. Their electric performances lit the stadium aglow, all the while presenting glamour and gratitude and remembering this moment of the IPL and the ability to present Bollywood, sport, and acknowledgments of our armed forces in the same night in the same spectacular moment.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to pay tribute to the Indian Armed Forces during the IPL 2025 final because of the world's trying times we have found out about in India due to the geopolitical tension. Earlier this month, on account of ongoing cross-border action with Pakistan, caused the BCCI to suspend IPL 2025 for 10 days. This cross-border action resulted in a full-scale missile attack in northern India. The Indian Armed Forces responded remarkably, leaving them deeply admired for their skillful and resilient counteraction that the country even shared.

Through the resume of the IPL 2025 season, some stadiums have already proudly paid homage to the Armed Forces as a thoughtful thank you for allowing the event to continue. Last week, during a well-publicized match between the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals, the Wankhede Stadium respectably echoed the famous words ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ to honor the Army. It seemed most patrons enjoyed their salute to the Army. On May 9, the day after the BCCI abruptly halted the tournament due to serious security concerns, past BCCI secretary and ICC chairman Jay Shah shared a social media post reflecting on the courage of the Indian Army and pledging his respect for their attempts to deter the security crisis.

The IPL 2025 season is now entering its playoffs after yet another opportunity for cricket fans to come together to support our Armed Forces. The knockouts will kick off with the 1st qualifier in Mullanpur on May 29 and pave the way for an emotional ending to the roster of tournaments.

IPL 2025 Closing Ceremony Dedicated to the Armed Forces

According to Sportstar, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia just shared that the IPL 2025 closing ceremony will be dedicated to the Indian Armed Forces. The final will occur at the impressive Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, and it will be a fitting tribute to our homeland heroes.

🚨 BCCI SECRETARY CONFIRMS IPL 2025 CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE DEDICATED TO INDIAN ARMED FORCES 🚨

- Such a Beautiful gesture by BCCI. 🫡🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/rgsolUrP3S

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) May 26, 2025

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This will emphasize the BCCI's concern regarding the Armed Forces and comfort and pledge support to their sacrifices toward the nation while adapting to times of hardship and suffering. The finale of IPL 2025 will not merely be a game of cricket but will also deserve recognition as an opportunity to come together and thank the resolve of the Indian Army and reminisce about the finale of yet another memorable IPL season.