Gambhir hails BCCI’s ‘unbelievable step’ to include Armed Forces in IPL final

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir hailed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for inviting all three chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces to the IPL 2025 final. The title clash of the marquee event is scheduled to be played on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

In an interaction with the media, Gambhir said, “It is an unbelievable step. The BCCI has taken a great initiative from a perspective where the entire nation stands united, and the nation must salute the armed forces. I give a lot of credit to the BCCI and the Armed Forces, who have been unconditionally helping, saving, and protecting us.”

Previously, IPL 2025 was suspended for one week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. By inviting all three chiefs, the BCCI aims to celebrate the success of `Operation Sindoor`.

Earlier, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board had sent invitations to all service chiefs, senior officers, and soldiers for the IPL 2025 final scheduled on June 3.

Operation Sindoor was India’s decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Launched on May 7, the operation led to the elimination of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

The IPL 2025 has now entered its playoffs stage, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1. The winner of this match will directly secure a berth in the final.

The loser of Qualifier 1 will still have a chance to reach the final by playing in Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans.

The Eliminator match between MI and GT is set to be played on May 30 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

In the final group-stage match between RCB and Lucknow Super Giants, Bengaluru`s stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma produced a match-winning performance.

In the first innings, Lucknow skipper Rishabh Pant delivered a stellar unbeaten knock of 118 runs off 61 balls, which included 11 boundaries and eight sixes. LSG posted a total of 227/3.

While chasing a target of 228, RCB’s opening pair, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, scored 30 and 54 runs, respectively. Later, Jitesh Sharma smashed an unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls, including eight boundaries and six sixes. He was well supported by Mayank Agarwal, who remained not out on 41 off 23 balls, striking five boundaries.

RCB registered a commanding six-wicket win to book their place in Qualifier 1.

(With ANI Inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day