As nationwide civil defense measures come into the spotlight, former Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has spoken out about the potential impact of government-mandated lights-off drills on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Gavaskar, known for his measured opinions and deep understanding of the game’s broader ecosystem, offered a calm and pragmatic perspective on how such civic exercises may intersect with ongoing cricketing events.
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs recently advised states and union territories to conduct a series of drills aimed at preparing for potential emergencies. These exercises include activities such as blackouts, mock evacuations, and air raid warnings. Naturally, such directives have raised questions among IPL fans and organizers, especially concerning night matches scheduled in major urban centers.
Gavaskar addressed these concerns by stating that while the lights-off protocol could pose a logistical challenge during the evening matches, it’s unlikely to have any major influence on the overall conduct of the IPL. “Till something happens, I don’t think it’ll impact the IPL. Yes, in the evening, when the match is being played, there will be perhaps the lights-off drill in the city. Then I think that could be a little bit of a concern,” Gavaskar said.
He emphasized that, in his view, the current climate in the country is not one of panic or fear. Instead, he reinforced the notion that India continues to remain a secure place for large-scale sporting events. Gavaskar also expressed his complete faith in the Indian armed forces, attributing the nation’s peace and stability to their unwavering vigilance.
“Everyone in India is feeling safe and secure. There’s no need to worry. We have the utmost faith in our armed forces. Because of them, we’ve been sleeping peacefully all these years,” he said, underscoring the broader sentiment of national confidence and unity.
The cricket icon also noted that the presence of international players remains unaffected. There have been no reported concerns from overseas cricketers participating in the IPL, which further reinforces the overall sentiment of safety surrounding the league. According to Gavaskar, not a single player, domestic or foreign, has approached him with concerns about the drills or security.
He went on to say that the cricketing world is resilient and well-equipped to adapt to temporary challenges, should they arise. The IPL, with its professional management and experience handling large crowds and sensitive scenarios, is prepared for any contingency.
Gavaskar’s statements serve as a reassurance not only to fans and players but also to stakeholders involved in the execution of India’s largest sporting event. With a strong foundation of security measures and clear communication between government agencies and tournament organizers, the IPL is expected to continue delivering uninterrupted entertainment.
As the tournament moves forward, spectators can focus on the thrilling action on the pitch, knowing that off-field preparedness remains a priority. The message from Sunil Gavaskar is simple: stay calm, trust the system, and enjoy the cricket.
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