Shreyas Iyer paid a special tribute to the Indian Armed Forces (IAF) at the toss of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday (May 18).

This is the first game of the 2025 IPL, which will see action post the league's restart after Saturday's (May 17) game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium was washed out.

PBKS skipper Shreyas won the toss and chose to bat as the Punjab-based team aims to reach the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. While speaking to Simon Doull at the toss, Shreyas Iyer hailed the IAF and expressed gratitude for keeping the country safe.

"Kudos the army forces who have worked for the country and made sure we are in a comfortable position," said Shreyas.

For those unversed, India launched a counter-strike at terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) following the barbaric Pahalgam Terror Attacks in which 26 people lost their lives. Later, India strongly retaliated to offensive action from Pakistan as Operation Sindoor achieved overwhelming success before the two countries announced a ceasefire on May 10.

The 2025 IPL was stopped mid-way during a match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in May 8 in Dharamshala. This match will now be replayed from the start on May 24 in Jaipur.

The league's revished schedule has the remaining 13 matches scheduled in six cities, with the last league stage match on May 27. The playoffs will begin on May 30 with the final scheduled on June 3. The venues for the playoffs and final is yet to be announced.

PBKS are currently third in the table with 15 points to their name as things stand. The Royals are knocked out of the competition.

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