After a short suspension due to tension between India and Pakistan, the IPL 2025 is all set to restart this weekend, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru ve Kolkata Knight Riders match on May 17 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

As the IPL is set to resume, Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI to do away with music, DJs, and cheerleaders from the upcoming matches because of the recent events. He wants the league to show respect to the families impacted by what happened between the two countries.

His suggestion came in the wake of a ceasefire, following a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the loss of 26 lives. India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting militant base camps in Pakistan and the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).

The situation has improved, but Gavaskar insisted that the contests should be played without celebrations.

“What I would really love to see are the last few matches. We have had about 60 games, with music playing at the venues and the performance of the cheerleaders. However, I think it is the last 15 or 16 games, we can refrain from having loud music or DJs during overs, considering what happened with some of the families in recent times,” Gavaskar told Sports Today.

“Let’s just focus on the game. The crowds can come, but the main focus should be the tournament itself. No cheerleaders, nothing. Just cricket would be a really nice way to respect the sentiment of the families who have lost their near and dear ones,” he added.

“The suspension was sudden. It wasn’t the right moment for sport. But with the ceasefire now in place, I believe the tournament will proceed,” Gavaskar concluded.

On Monday night, the BCCI unveiled the revised IPL 2025 fixture list, confirming that 17 matches will take place at six different venues starting from May 17, with the grand final set for June 3.

The updated schedule includes two double-headers. Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator will be held on May 29 and 30, respectively, with Qualifier 2 set for June 1. The locations for these playoff fixtures will be announced later.