BCCI to invite armed forces chiefs to IPL final, echoing Pakistan’s PSL

ISLAMABAD: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) have decided to invite the Indian armed forces service chiefs to the closing ceremony of the Indian Premier League (IPL), in what seems like a move copying the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The IPL final will be played in Gujarat state -- at the Ahmedabad Narendra Modi stadium on June 3. Indian TV channels have reported that the BCCI, following in the footsteps of the PCB, has made arrangements for the final. In Pakistan, the PSL final was played in Lahore, where President Asif Ali Zardari was present as the chief guest. In an earlier match in Rawalpindi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was the chief guest. Likewise, in the presence of their respective chiefs, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan Navy (PN) were paid befitting tributes as well.

The BCCI chief has also announced a donation of INR 20 crores to the Indian armed forces on the occasion, presumably for their role in Operation Sindoor.