New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been forced to come up with a fresh programme for the closing ceremony of IPL 2025 after the chiefs of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy turned down invitations to attend the gala event at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
BCCI had invited the three chiefs to be present and celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor. Special arrangements had also been made for about 1,000 armed forces personnel and their families to watch the event live at the stadium.
However, according to Dainik Jagran, General Upendra Dwivedi, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh have turned down the BCCI’s request to attend the event. The reason has not been disclosed as yet though it is quite uncommon for all three defence chiefs to be present at an event such as this.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had announced recently that all three chiefs, along with senior officers and other personnel from the Indian armed forces, were invited to celebrate the bravery and service shown in Operation Sindoor before the summit clash in Ahmedabad.
The BCCI proudly salutes the “bravery, courage, and selfless service” of the Indian armed forces, he had said, announcing live performances by the bands of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Border Security Force (BSF). Large screens were also set up at the stadium to display short films and visuals showcasing India’s heroic military efforts.
On Thursday, the Government of India informed BCCI that the chiefs would not be attending the event.
According to the changed programme, Bollywood singer Shankar Mahadevan will perform patriotic songs before the grand finale begins in Ahmedabad on June 3. The stadium will be decorated with the Indian national flag at multiple spots to honor the success of Operation Sindoor.
