The third and final ODI between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Pallekele on Tuesday began on a sombre note, with match officials seen wearing black armbands.
While the series was delicately poised at 1-1, and a competitive decider was expected on a bright afternoon, it was a gesture from the umpires that caught early attention.
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As the players took the field for the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 3rd ODI, both on-field umpires were seen with black bands wrapped around their arms. Let’s see why the officials chose to wear them during this series decider.
Why umpires are wearing black armbands in SL vs BAN 3rd ODI at Pallekele?
The black armbands were worn as a mark of respect for a tragic loss in the cricketing world. The cricket community is mourning the untimely death of Afghanistan’s international umpire Bismillah Jan Shinwari, who passed away at the age of 41.
This symbolic act was done to honour Shinwari, a respected figure in international cricket umpiring, who died earlier this week due to illness.
His passing was officially confirmed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on the morning of July 8. His sudden demise sent shockwaves through the Asian cricket community, prompting tributes from former players, colleagues, and cricket boards.
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Who was Bismillah Jan Shinwari?
Shinwari was born in March 1984 and began his journey as an international umpire in December 2017.
His first assignment was an ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland in Sharjah. Since then, he officiated in 34 ODIs and 26 T20Is, with his most recent international game coming earlier this year in January.
Shinwari had a respected international career, having stood in 60 matches across formats, and was an active part of the ICC panel.
His life wasn’t without turmoil. Back in October 2020, Shinwari was caught in a bomb blast in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. Initial media reports falsely claimed he had died in that explosion.
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However, he later confirmed he had survived the incident. His courage to return to the field after such trauma earned him immense respect from players and peers alike. Shinwari was regarded as a dedicated professional and a calm presence on the field.