"Grateful To Our Armed Forces": MI Skipper Hardik Pandya Lauds Indian Army

Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya on Friday expressed support for the Indian Armed Forces amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, thanking them for their courage and service. In an Instagram story, the 31-year-old cricketer wrote, "Proud and grateful to our armed forces for the courage and sacrifices they've made. Thank you for protecting and keeping everyone in our country safe." Several tournaments were suspended or postponed in India on Friday due to the recent escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

On Friday afternoon, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced its decision to suspend the remainder of the ongoing IPL 2025, with immediate effect, for one week due to the escalating tensions between the two nations.

"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing TATA IPL 2025 with immediate effect for one week. Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in the statement.

"The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders," he added.

Later in the day, the inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, which was