As fans gear up for the IPL 2025 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians in Hyderabad, tonight’s match will carry far more weight than just league points.
The atmosphere at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is expected to be heavy with emotion as the cricketing community joins hands to pay respect to the lives lost in the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a series of gestures to honour the memory of the victims. Before a single ball is bowled, silence will fall across the stadium for a minute to stand in solidarity with the families of the 26 victims.
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Why will players and umpires wear black armbands?
As part of the tribute, all players and on-field officials will take the field wearing black armbands.
While cricket is known for its high energy, today’s match will tone things down considerably with a minute of silence for mourning the victims of the terror attack.
There will be no cheerleaders dancing on the sidelines, and the usual bursts of celebratory fireworks have been called off.
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How has the cricket fraternity reacted to the Pahalgam terror attack?
Several current and former Indian cricketers reacted with shock and shared their condolences for the victims of the terror attack.
West Bengal cricketer Shreevats Goswami requested players to wear black armbands during this week, to spread awareness and in memory of the innocent lives lost.
Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence like this has no place in our country.
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) April 22, 2025
Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike. #Pahalgam
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 22, 2025
Deeply saddened by the attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Praying for the victims and for the strength of their families 🙏🏻 Let us stand united in hope and humanity. #PahalgamTerroristAttack
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 22, 2025
Requesting all Indian players in the IPL to wear a black armband this week atleast .
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) April 23, 2025
In memory of the innocent lives lost in Kashmir.
Play the game. But let the world watching know.
Cricket reaches millions across borders — this small gesture can spread awareness and show…