Maa tujhe salaam... Eden Gardens a sea of emotion in IPL homage to Indian Armed Forces

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On a night of high emotion and cricketing drama, Eden Gardens in Kolkata transcended sport and became a symbol of national pride. During the IPL 2025 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the stadium resonated with a powerful rendition of " Maa Tujhe Salaam ", as thousands of fans joined in unison to pay tribute to India's defence forces.This moment came in the wake of " Operation Sindoor ", India's recent military action targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. As a gesture of respect, players from both sides, along with officials from the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), lined the boundary during the national anthem, honouring the bravery of the armed forces.Just before Match 57 of the Indian Premier League 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, a powerful moment unfolded at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The national anthem was played, followed by a touching message on the side screen that read, "Proud of the Indian Armed Forces."As both teams lined up for a match that was vital for KKR's playoff chances, the evening also served as a reminder of the sacrifices and duties carried out by the country's armed forces.But while the pre-match scenes stirred patriotic hearts, the home team had little to cheer about once the cricket began. After a strong start, KKR faltered badly. Opting to bat first in a must-win game, they scored 179 in 20 overs. Once again, while Chennai Super Kings were down five wicket for just 60, eventually they won the match.Despite the defeat, the night will be remembered not just for cricket, but for Eden Gardens' united voice of patriotism, echoing a powerful message beyond the boundary lines.Earlier following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in a solemn gesture of solidarity and respect, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had paid tribute to the victims of the terror attack in Pahalgam during TATA IPL Match No. 41 between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.To honour those who lost their lives, a 60-second moment of silence was observed before the start of play, following a formal announcement over the public address system. This allowed both in-stadium and broadcast audiences to participate in the tribute. During the toss, the captains of both teams offered their condolences and strongly condemned the heinous act. Throughout the match, players, match officials, commentators, and support staff wore black armbands as a mark of respect. The commentary team further acknowledged these gestures on air, reflecting on the emotional significance of the tribute and the nation's shared grief.The BCCI also took a conscious decision to conduct the game without fanfare. There were no cheerleader performances, celebratory fireworks, music, or DJ activities — ensuring a dignified atmosphere that honoured the solemnity of the occasion.

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