The Indian cricket team and the BCCI have always been at the forefront in supporting the Indian Armed Forces, more so in wake of recent terror attacks Pulwama on CRPF jawans in Srinagar. The Indian team wore camouflaged caps to honor the martyrs and donated their match fees to the army fund.

The IPL 2019 begins on March 23 with the defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This will also see the return of IPL cricket to Chennai, as in 2018, only one match was possible due to Cauvery water dispute.

Now it has been reported that military bands will be present in the IPL opening match between CSK and RCB and will perform. Representatives from the Indian Armed Forces have been invited for the match, which will also be attended by the three members of the Committee of Administrators (CoA).

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will contribute Rs. 20 crores for the welfare of the armed forces. “Members of the CoA and the players will be present during the program. The entire program is an effort to pay our homage to the martyr,” an official said.

(Inputs from sportstar.thehindu.com)