IPL 2025: Final in Ahmedabad to be part of Operation Sindoor celebrations

The IPL final on 3 June at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will be part of the nationwide celebrations around Operation Sindoor conducted earlier this month, according to the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). While it has invited the three Indian armed forces chiefs, an event could also be in store to pay tribute to the armed forces.

Confirming the news, BCCI secretary Devojit Saikia said in a statement: ‘’We have extended an invitation to all Indian Armed Forces chiefs (General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff; Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the Chief of Air Staff), top-ranked officers and soldiers for the IPL final in Ahmedabad to celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor.

‘’As a tribute, we have decided to dedicate the closing ceremony to the armed forces and honour our heroes. While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the nation and it’s sovereignty, integrity and security of the country.’’

Incidentally, the final and second qualifier — originally scheduled at Eden Gardens in Kolkata — were shifted to Ahmedabad at the eleventh hour apparently owing to a forecast of early monsoon rains. The final, along with the opening game of the league, is normally scheduled at the home venue of the previous season's champions, in this case Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Speaking to National Herald over the phone, Anil Patel, secretary of local organising body Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) said: ‘’It’s a proud privilege to be able to host the final again and have the celebrations as well. We are still awaiting the details and our challenge will be to execute it in a befitting manner.’’

Operation Sindoor was India’s military response to the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack. The cross-border standoff between India and Pakistan led to the IPL being suspended for a week, before it resumed again on 17 May with a juggling of venues. The final league match of this edition, between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is being held in Lucknow this evening.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings have sealed the top spot on the table and a slot in qualifier 1 with a win over Mumbai Indians on Monday. The qualifier 1 will be held at Mullanpur on 29 May between Punjab Kings and either Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Gujarat Titans. The eliminator, featuring Mumbai Indians, will also be held in Mullanpur on 30 May against either RCB or GT.

The action will then move to Ahmedabad with the losers of qualifier 1 taking on the winners of the eliminator for a place in the final on 3 June. Winners of qualifier 1, meanwhile, will straightaway qualify for the final on 29 May.