BCCI Considering Sunil Gavaskar’s Suggestion; IPL 2025 Set to Continue Without Glamour
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 gears up to resume on May 17 following a week-long suspension due to India-Pakistan border tensions, the BCCI is reportedly considering a significant format change — staging the remainder of the season without music, DJs, and cheerleaders.
This move comes after legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar urged the board to tone down the entertainment aspect of the league as a mark of respect for the lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident.
Gavaskar’s Emotional Appeal
In a conversation with Sports Today, Gavaskar said:
“I would sincerely… because of what has happened and some families have lost their near and dear ones, I would like all the show-sha baji that goes with it to not be there. Just the game to be played… No dancing girls, nothing. Just cricket would be a really nice way to respect the sentiment of the families.”
The 74-year-old also recommended no music, no DJs, and no on-field fireworks, requesting a simple, respectful environment focused solely on the game of cricket.
BCCI Responds
According to a report by India Today, the BCCI is seriously considering Gavaskar’s suggestion and is likely to issue a final call before the restart of the league. The decision would affect the remaining 17 matches of the IPL, including the playoffs and final.
“The Indian cricket board will make a decision after Sunil Gavaskar urged the BCCI to stage the remaining 17 matches without cheerleaders and DJs,” the report said.
IPL’s Tribute During Match 41
The BCCI had already taken a sensitive step during Match 41 between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians on April 23, where a minute of silence was observed before the game. Players, officials, and commentators wore black armbands in memory of the Pahalgam victims. The game was conducted without any music, fireworks, or cheerleading performances.
Operation Sindoor: The Context
The call for a more somber IPL came after India carried out ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, a military offensive that targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists. This was in direct retaliation to the Pahalgam tragedy, one of the worst civilian attacks in recent years.
IPL 2025 to Resume in a New Avatar?
While IPL is traditionally associated with fanfare and entertainment, this could mark a rare instance where the league shifts its tone in alignment with national sentiment. The decision, if finalized, would present a more subdued and respectful version of the tournament, focusing solely on cricket as a tribute to the lives lost.
The IPL 2025 action will resume at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 17, with Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and other playoff-contending teams eyeing crucial victories. The BCCI’s pending decision on curbing entertainment elements may redefine how the final leg of the season unfolds.
