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"Lights-Off Drill Concern For IPL" Gavaskar Reviews Impact Of India's Civil Defence Drill

Akshita Patel

Sunil Gavaskar reacts to India's defence mock drill [Source: @Clear_Nama, @mufaddal_vohra, @mygovindia/X.com]Sunil Gavaskar reacts to India's defence mock drill [Source: @Clear_Nama, @mufaddal_vohra, @mygovindia/X.com]

Former Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar said he doesn't think the recent national security drills ordered by the government will affect the ongoing IPL 2025. The nationwide civil defence drill is set to be conducted on May 7 across 200+ cities.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked all states and union territories to conduct "lights-off" mock drills. These drills include turning off lights, sounding air-raid sirens, and practising evacuations to prepare for possible threats. 

Interestingly, Kolkata Knight Riders are set to host Chennai Super Kings at Eden Gardens on May 7 which is now under threat of interruption.

Sunil Gavaskar Says Lights-Off Drill Could Impact IPL

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes that these safety nationwide civil defence drills won't stop the IPL matches. While such exercises may cause momentary disruptions in public spaces, Gavaskar is confident that IPL venues will remain secure and the tournament will carry on smoothly.

"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 of course, there will be perhaps the lights-off drill in the city. Then I think that could be a little bit of a concern," Gavaskar told Sports Today.

He also mentioned that people in India feel safe and trust the country’s armed forces and added that even foreign players in the IPL do not feel unsafe.

"But as of now, I don't see the drill really affecting the IPL. I think, look, everybody here in India is feeling really safe and secure. There's no need to worry. I mean, we have the utmost faith in our armed forces. Because of them, we have been sleeping so peacefully all these years. I don't think anybody's feeling insecure. Even the overseas guys are not feeling insecure," he added.

Gavaskar Reacts To Pahalgam Attack

In the middle of a highly entertaining IPL season, India was rocked by an unspeakable tragedy in Pahalgam, Kashmir as a brutal terrorist attack killed 26 innocent tourists. As political and social tensions rose in the aftermath of the attack, Sunil Gavaskar offered condolences to the families of the victims. He went on to ask why this endless cycle of bloodshed should continue for generations to come, offering a heartfelt appeal for peace instead.