‘Salute to our armed forces’: Virat Kohli posts tribute as IPL stands cancelled amid conflict

New Delhi: Star cricketer Virat Kohli on Friday expressed solidarity with the Indian armed forces in a heartfelt Instagram post, as the Indian Premier League (IPL) was officially suspended amid the escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan.

“We stand in solidarity with and salute our armed forces for fiercely protecting our country in these difficult times...,” Kohli wrote, sharing a black-and-white post with the Indian flag, and calling for national unity.

Kohli’s post came just hours after the BCCI confirmed that the remainder of the IPL 2025 season would be called off in light of the ongoing cross-border hostilities and growing security concerns. The decision followed the abandonment of Thursday’s match in Dharamsala due to a sudden floodlight failure, just a few hours after explosions were reported in nearby Jammu.

With multiple airports shut down, including in northern India, and large public gatherings being discouraged, the BCCI said the league could not continue under current circumstances. Several international players had already begun arrangements to return home.

The IPL suspension comes amid a backdrop of serious conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Meanwhile, cricketers across the spectrum have begun voicing support for the armed forces. Kohli’s post has since gone viral, garnering millions of likes and shares within hours, with fans praising his message of patriotism.

With sport now taking a back seat to national security, Kohli’s words echo the sentiment of a country rallying behind its soldiers.