IPL 2025: DC and GT players pay tribute to Indian Armed Forces at Arun Jaitley Stadium

IANS May 18, 2025 305 views

The Indian Premier League resumed after a ten-day pause with a powerful display of national unity at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. DC and GT players stood together, singing the national anthem to honor the Indian Armed Forces amid ongoing cross-border tensions. The emotional moment saw players and officials paying tribute to the military's protection of the nation. The match itself carried significant playoff implications, with GT close to qualification and DC battling to stay in tournament contention.

"Firstly, a heartfelt message to our armed forces for keeping us safe" - Karun Nair, Delhi Capitals
New Delhi, May 18: Players from both Delhi Capitals (DC) and Gujarat Titans (GT) lined paid tribute to the Indian armed forces by standing up for the Indian national anthem ahead of their IPL 2025 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

Key Points

1

Players and officials unite to salute Indian military's sacrifice

2

National anthem echoes patriotic sentiment at stadium

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GT needs one win to secure playoff spot

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DC fighting for tournament survival

Following a ten-day pause in IPL 2025 due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, the tournament had its first full match on resumption when Punjab Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by ten runs at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday afternoon.

While the game was finishing in Jaipur, both DC and GT playing elevens, along with match officials – on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Keyur Kelkar, third umpire Rohan Pandit and match referee Arjan Kripal Singh sang the national anthem together to honour the valuable contributions of the Indian Armed Forces and protecting India from the attacks of enemies across the border before the match began.

In addition to this, ‘Thank you armed forces’ was the message being displayed on the screens as well as boundary lines of the stadium when the Indian national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ was being played. After the national anthem was over, fans in the stadium chanted ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ in chorus.

“Firstly, a heartfelt message to our armed forces for keeping us safe, and to help us get back on the field to do something we love,” said Delhi Capitals’ top-order batter Karun Nair in a pre-match chat with broadcasters.

Coming to the match, GT won the toss and elected to bowl first against DC. Second-ranked GT need just one more win to book their spot in the playoffs. DC are at fifth place and must win all of their remaining games, starting from their final home game on Sunday, to keep their faint hopes of entering the last four stage alive.

After PBKS beat RR by ten runs, if GT wins on Sunday night, then they, PBKS and RCB will qualify for the playoffs. It would then leave DC, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in competition for the final playoffs spot.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Such a proud moment! Our armed forces deserve every bit of respect and gratitude. Seeing IPL players unite like this gives me goosebumps. Sports and patriotism go hand in hand 🇮🇳 #SaluteToForces
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the tribute, I hope this isn't just symbolic. The BCCI should consider organizing charity matches or fundraisers for soldiers' families. Actions speak louder than anthem ceremonies.
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Amit S.
The atmosphere must have been electric! Wish I was there to join the 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' chants. Our forces protect us while we enjoy cricket peacefully - can't thank them enough. Jai Hind!
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Sanjana P.
Nice gesture but why only now? We should have such tributes regularly, not just when border tensions flare up. Our jawans sacrifice every day, not just during crises.
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Vikram D.
The best part was seeing foreign players like GT's Rashid Khan standing respectfully during our anthem. Shows cricket truly unites beyond borders, even when tensions exist.
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Neha T.
Emotional moment indeed! But let's not forget - the best way to honor our forces is by being responsible citizens ourselves. Patriotism isn't just for stadiums, it's for everyday life.

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Tags:
IPL 2025 Indian Cricket Delhi Capitals Gujarat Titans Armed Forces Arun Jaitley Stadium National Anthem