Armed Forces Chiefs Decline IPL 2025 Final Invitation, BCCI Alters Closing Ceremony Plans

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has planned a grand closing ceremony for the IPL 2025 final, which will be held on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As part of the celebration, the BCCI has invited the heads of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to be part of the event and to honour the success of Operation Sindoor.

A report by Dainik Jagran has revealed that the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have declined the BCCI’s invitation to attend the IPL 2025 final. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh have all respectfully turned down the request.

The report has confirmed that the heads of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force will not be present at the closing ceremony of this IPL season. However, the reason for their absence from the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has not been shared yet.

“The Board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation. As a tribute, we have decided to dedicate the closing ceremony to the armed forces,” the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Sportstar earlier.

BCCI Changes Finale Plans to Honor Armed Forces After Schedule Update

The BCCI had made special arrangements for 1,000 soldiers, army officers, and their families to watch the match from reserved seats inside the stadium. Big screens were also put up at the Narendra Modi Stadium to show short films and videos about the bravery and sacrifices of India’s armed forces, helping fans feel a strong sense of pride for the nation.

But on Thursday, Dainik Jagran reported that, according to BCCI sources, the Indian government had informed them that the chiefs of the armed forces would not be able to attend the celebrations in Ahmedabad. Because of this, the BCCI had to make some changes to the event plans. The sources didn’t give too many details but said that they have adjusted the program based on the government's message.

Bollywood singer Shankar Mahadevan will now perform patriotic songs before the grand finale in Ahmedabad on June 3. Earlier, a military-themed event was planned, but it has now been changed. The stadium will be decorated with the Indian national flag in many places to celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor and honor the country.

IPL 2025 Final: RCB in Final, PBKS and MI to Fight for Last Spot

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already qualified for the IPL 2025 final after beating Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 in Chandigarh. While the Eliminator Gujarat Titans were eliminated from the IPL 2025, the Mumbai Indians qualified for Qualifier 2 after thrashing GT on May 30.

Now, the winner of Qualifier 2 between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians will face RCB in the IPL 2025 final on June 3 in Ahmedabad. While PBKS and RCB are chasing their maiden IPL title, Hardik Pandya is aiming to win his first title as MI captain this season.

ALSO READ: Major ICC Rule Changes: ODI Two-Ball Rule and Strengthen Test Concussion Regulations from July 2025