May 15, 2025: As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 prepares to resume on May 17 following a week-long suspension, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to conduct the remaining matches without any added entertainment such as cheerleaders and DJs, out of respect for the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
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The attack, which occurred on May 8, claimed the lives of 26 civilians and has cast a shadow over the festive atmosphere of the IPL. In the aftermath, Gavaskar has called on the BCCI to tone down the glamour associated with the league and focus solely on the cricket.
“Let there be a crowd, but no music. Let’s not have the DJs screaming in the middle of an over. None of that,” Gavaskar told Sports Today.
“Let’s just have the balance of the tournament played quietly, respectfully. 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.”
According to a report in India Today, the BCCI is now seriously considering Gavaskar’s suggestion, and may remove cheerleaders, DJs, and other entertainment segments from the remaining 17 matches of the season.
Signs of Mourning Already Visible
Gavaskar’s comments come after a visibly somber match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, where players from both sides wore black armbands to mourn the lives lost. The match was played without cheerleaders, fireworks, or amplified music, and a minute’s silence was observed before the game.
These gestures were widely appreciated by fans and cricketing bodies worldwide and may now set the tone for the remainder of the season.
IPL 2025: A Changed Atmosphere
IPL 2025, originally a celebration of cricket and entertainment, now finds itself in a more reflective state. With national sentiments high and tensions along the border continuing, the BCCI faces the delicate task of balancing the spirit of sport with empathy for national tragedy.
A final decision on changes to the match-day presentation is expected soon, with the BCCI likely to issue an official statement before the tournament resumes.