he IPL opening ceremony that happens every year with much extravagance, including performances by Bollywood celebrities, has been cancelled this year, owing to the loss of lives of over 40 CRPF soldiers in the Pulwama attack. The BCCI has decided to offer the money meant for the ceremony to the families of the martyred brave men.

The Committee of Administrators chairman Vinod Rai announced, “We will not have any inaugural function for the IPL and the money budgeted for that goes to the martyrs’ families.” This was reportedly decided at a meeting that happened today.

The fate of the World Cup match against Pakistan, however, still remains uncertain. The CoA chairman stated that the match was far away and the government is yet to make a decision on the matter.