Published: May 13, 2025, 04:57 PM (IST)
Edited: May 13, 2025, 04:57 PM (IST)
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League was suspended last week due to the escalating tensions between India-Pakistan will resume on May 17th with the IPL clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Ahead of the tournament’s restart, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has called on the BCCI to remove music, DJs, and cheerleaders from the remaining matches, urging them to consider the ‘sentiments of families’.
Gavaskar made this suggestion following the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. This came in the wake of a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, successfully striking terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“What I would really like to see is. These are the last few matches, we have had about 60 games or thereabouts. I think it is the last 15 or 16 games. I would sincerely hope, because of what has happened and some families have lost their near and dear ones, I would like that there is no music. Let’s not have the DJS screaming in the middle of an over.,” Gavaskar told Sports Today.
“None of that. Let the games be played. Let the crowds come in. Let’s just have a tournament, the balance of a tournament. It’s just no dancing girls, nothing. Just cricket would be a really nice way to respect the sentiment of the families who have lost their near and dear ones,” he added.
Following India’s strike, tensions between the two nations intensified, leading to the suspension of the IPL. Although a ceasefire has now allowed the tournament to resume, Gavaskar has urged the Indian cricket board to approach the game with sensitivity and show respect to the families who have lost their loved ones.
The remaining of the IPL 2025 matches will be played in 6 different venues, with the Final being played on June 3rd. The updated schedule features two double-headers, both set for Sundays. Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator are scheduled for May 29 and 30, respectively, with Qualifier 2 slated for June 1.
