IPL 2025: B Praak To Perform As BCCI Set To Pay Tribute To Indian Armed Forces
IPL 2025 Armed Forces Tribute: BCCI Announces Special B Praak Performance During PBKS vs DC Match in Dharamsala
Table of Contents
Singer B Praak will perform patriotic songs during the special BCCI tribute to Indian Armed Forces at the PBKS vs DC match in Dharamsala on Thursday.
BCCI’s Special Tribute to Indian Armed Forces
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a special tribute to honor the Indian armed forces during Thursday’s IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala. This commemorative event comes amid heightened patriotic sentiment following recent military operations against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The tribute holds particular significance given the stadium’s location in Dharamsala, which is in close proximity to India’s northern borders. The HPCA Stadium, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, will provide a majestic backdrop for what promises to be an emotionally charged evening combining cricket with national pride.
IPL 2025 Armed Forces Tribute Event Details
- Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
- Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
- Match: Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals
- Special Guest Performer: B Praak
- Event Theme: Tribute to Indian Armed Forces
This initiative by the BCCI continues cricket’s long-standing tradition of honoring the armed forces. In previous seasons, the IPL has featured similar tributes, including special camouflage caps worn by players and dedicated matches where proceeds were donated to military welfare funds.
B Praak’s Patriotic Performance Details
Renowned singer and composer B Praak will take center stage at the event, performing live for the Dharamsala crowd. Known for his powerful vocals and emotionally resonant patriotic songs, B Praak is a fitting choice for this tribute. His repertoire includes several nationally acclaimed patriotic anthems that have struck a chord with audiences across the country.
B Praak, whose real name is Pratik Bachan, rose to prominence with emotional and patriotic songs like “Teri Mitti” from the film Kesari, which pays tribute to soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. His distinctive voice and ability to evoke deep emotional responses make him an ideal performer for this special occasion.
The performance is expected to feature a carefully curated selection of songs celebrating India’s cultural heritage and honoring the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces. According to sources close to the event organizers, the show will include both B Praak’s popular patriotic numbers and special compositions created specifically for this tribute.
B Praak’s Notable Patriotic Songs
The singer is known for several powerful patriotic compositions that could feature in his IPL performance:
- “Teri Mitti” (Kesari) – A soulful tribute to fallen soldiers
- “Ae Watan” – Celebrating love for the motherland
- “Shukriya” – Expressing gratitude to the armed forces
- “Mann Bharryaa” – Emotional ballad often dedicated to sacrifice
- “Desh Mere” – Anthem celebrating India’s spirit and resilience
IPL’s Official Announcement
The IPL 2025 Armed Forces tribute was officially announced through the Indian Premier League’s social media channels. The announcement emphasized the patriotic nature of the event and highlighted B Praak’s role in creating an atmosphere of national pride and cultural celebration.
The announcement has generated significant anticipation among cricket fans and music enthusiasts alike, with social media buzzing about the unique combination of sporting excellence and patriotic entertainment. Ticket sales for the match have reportedly seen a surge following the announcement of B Praak’s performance.
Venue Changes Due to Security Situation
While the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match on Thursday will proceed as planned in Dharamsala with the special tribute, the ongoing security situation has necessitated changes to other fixtures. Most notably, the Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians match scheduled for May 11 in Dharamsala has been relocated to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) secretary Anil Patel confirmed to PTI that the BCCI had requested the venue change, which the GCA promptly accepted. “BCCI requested us and we accepted. Mumbai Indians are arriving later today and travel plans of Punjab Kings will be known later,” Patel stated. The relocated match will be played as an afternoon fixture.
| Original Schedule | Revised Schedule | Reason for Change |
|---|---|---|
| PBKS vs DC, May 8, Dharamsala | No change – Proceeding as planned with Armed Forces tribute | N/A |
| PBKS vs MI, May 11, Dharamsala | PBKS vs MI, May 11, Ahmedabad (afternoon match) | Dharamsala airport closure |
| DC vs GT, May 11, Delhi | No change to venue, but team travel logistics affected | Teams need alternate travel arrangements from Dharamsala |
Impact of Airport Closures on IPL Schedule
The venue changes come in response to the closure of the Dharamsala airport for commercial flights, which is expected to remain in effect at least until May 10. The closure follows India’s military strikes on terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which were conducted in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
The security situation has created significant logistical challenges for the IPL 2025 schedule, particularly for teams needing to enter or exit Dharamsala during this period. With the Chandigarh airport also closed, teams will need to find alternative transportation methods, likely involving long road journeys to reach operational airports.
The Strategic Importance of Dharamsala
Dharamsala’s location in Himachal Pradesh places it in a strategically sensitive region near India’s northern borders. The HPCA Stadium, situated at an elevation of 1,457 meters above sea level, is one of the world’s most picturesque cricket venues but also falls within an area that can be affected by security operations along the border regions.
Team Logistics Challenges
The airport closures have created complex logistical challenges for both Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, who will need to find alternative ways to exit Dharamsala after Thursday’s match. With Delhi Capitals scheduled to play Gujarat Titans at home on May 11, the team faces a particularly tight timeline to return to Delhi.
As of this report, the BCCI has not yet revealed detailed plans for team transportation, though sources suggest special arrangements may be made for chartered road transportation to the nearest operational airport. A Punjab Kings official told reporters: “We have not heard from the BCCI yet. We can only figure out the travel plans once we have full clarity.”
The logistical challenges extend beyond just the teams to include match officials, broadcast crews, and essential support staff who would typically fly in and out of Dharamsala for IPL fixtures. The BCCI’s operations team is reportedly working on comprehensive contingency plans to ensure minimal disruption to the tournament schedule.
Playoff Implications for Affected Teams
The venue changes and logistical challenges come at a critical juncture in the IPL 2025 season, particularly for Punjab Kings who are on course to make their first playoff appearance since 2014. Currently positioned strongly in the points table, Punjab Kings will be keen to maintain their momentum despite the disruptions.
For Delhi Capitals, the tight turnaround between Thursday’s match in Dharamsala and their home fixture against Gujarat Titans on May 11 presents both physical and mental challenges. The team’s performance could be affected by the unusual travel arrangements necessitated by the airport closures.
Despite these challenges, the Armed Forces tribute event on Thursday is expected to provide an emotionally charged atmosphere that could potentially inspire strong performances from both teams. The combination of high-stakes cricket and patriotic sentiment promises to create a memorable evening for players and spectators alike.
As the IPL 2025 season continues to navigate these unexpected challenges, the league’s ability to adapt while still delivering special events like the Armed Forces tribute demonstrates the resilience that has made the IPL one of the world’s premier sporting competitions. Cricket fans around the country will be eagerly anticipating B Praak’s performance and the special atmosphere in Dharamsala on Thursday evening.
About The Author
