'No dancers, no DJ': Gavaskar calls for quite IPL in respect of Ind-Pak conflict victims

Former Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has made an emotional appeal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to conduct the remaining matches of IPL 2025 in a more restrained and respectful manner. This comes in the wake of recent India-Pakistan border tensions that have caused the loss of several lives.

The IPL, which was temporarily suspended due to the rising cross-border hostilities, is set to resume on May 17 with Match 58 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Ahead of the restart, Gavaskar urged the board to forego loud music, DJs, cheerleaders, and other entertainment features out of respect for grieving families.

“What I would really like to see is… these are the last few matches. We have had about 60 games already. I think it's the last 15 or 16 games. I would sincerely hope, because of what has happened and some families have lost their near and dear ones, I would like that there is no music. Let's not have the DJs screaming in the middle of an over,” Gavaskar told the media.

He further emphasized that the focus should return to the game itself, not the fanfare around it. “Let the games be played. Let the crowds come in. Let's just have a tournament, the balance of a tournament. No dancing girls, nothing. Just cricket would be a really nice way to respect the sentiment of the families,” Gavaskar added.

The IPL was suspended midway during Match 58 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala after a sudden Pakistan-led military strike disrupted life in several parts of northern India. That match is now scheduled to be replayed on May 24 in Jaipur.

Meanwhile, the rescheduling of the remaining IPL matches has raised concerns over international player availability, especially with national commitments approaching for teams like England, South Africa, and Australia.