IPL 2025 final: All three Armed Forces Chiefs unlikely to attend; BCCI to alter closing ceremony plans

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final, set to be held on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, was initially planned as a platform to honour the Indian Armed Forces in the wake of Operation Sindoor. However, the original tribute plans are likely to undergo a significant change.

According to reports from NDTV, the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have declined the BCCI’s invitation to attend the summit clash.

Though the invitations were extended earlier this week, the news outlet reported that the three army chiefs will not be available during that time. The BCCI had hoped to have the nation’s top military leadership present at the closing ceremony as a tribute to the bravery shown during Operation Sindoor.

Closing Ceremony Gets Civilian Touch

With the absence of the service chiefs, the BCCI is expected to revise the final ceremony lineup. Originally, the event was to feature performances by the musical bands of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Border Security Force (BSF), alongside appearances by military personnel and short films celebrating India's armed forces.

Online reports now state that renowned Bollywood singer Shankar Mahadevan will headline the performance, singing a selection of patriotic songs to maintain the spirit of the tribute in a more civilian tone.

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Flags and Films to Preserve Spirit of Tribute

Despite the scaled-down presence of military representation, the BCCI is determined to preserve the essence of the homage.

The Narendra Modi Stadium will feature national flags prominently across the venue, and screens will display visuals and short films commemorating India’s defence forces and Operation Sindoor.

Seating has also been reserved for 1,000 soldiers, officers, and their families, who will attend the final as honoured guests.

RCB Await Final Challenger

On the cricketing front, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have already sealed a place in the final, having defeated Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1. In the Eliminator, Mumbai Indians knocked out Gujarat Titans, setting up a high-stakes Qualifier 2 clash between MI and PBKS on May 31.

The winner of that game will face RCB in the final. Both RCB and PBKS are chasing their first-ever IPL title, while MI’s captain Hardik Pandya is eyeing his first trophy as captain, though the franchise already boasts five IPL championships.