Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to tone down the festivities for the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), urging a more somber approach, citing the recent escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan.
The call comes in the wake of a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 civilian lives, mostly tourists, followed by India’s retaliatory strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), and Pakistan’s subsequent missile attacks on northern Indian cities on May 8.
After a brief half, IPL 2025 will resume on May 17 with a revised schedule.
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Sunil Gavaskar Appeals for Subdued IPL 2025
Speaking to Sports Today, Gavaskar expressed a desire for the IPL to respect the sentiments of families affected by the conflict. He proposed that the BCCI eliminate music, DJs and other entertainment elements typically associated with the IPL’s vibrant atmosphere.
"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 said as quoted to Sports Today.
The 75-year-old stressed that the focus should remain solely on the game, allowing cricket to take center stage without distractions.
"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.
IPL 2025 to Resume with Revised Schedule After India-Pakistan Tensions
IPL 2025, halted on May 8, is set to resume on May 17 with a revised schedule. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that the remaining 13 league matches will be played across six venues, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, culminating in the final on June 3.
The abandoned Punjab Kings (PBKS) versus Delhi Capitals (DC) match from May 8 in Dharamsala will be replayed on May 24 in Jaipur. The season restarts with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 17.
The league phase will conclude on May 27, with playoffs starting May 29, though venues for Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the final are yet to be confirmed.
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