IPL 2025: Emotional tribute by MI and SRH for Pahalgam attack victims

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to pay tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in Match No. 41 of the IPL 2025 between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, April 23.

Before the start of the game, players, match officials, and broadcasters observed a minute of silence and wear black armbands to pay tribute to the 26 people, including two foreign nationals, who lost their lives in Tuesday’s attack.

The BCCI also decided to let go of the usual fanfare and entertainment for the evening with no cheerleaders or fireworks. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed grief on the tragic incident.

“The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday. On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy,” he said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

After Mumbai won the toss and elected to bowl first, the captains of both teams, Hardik Pandya and Pat Cummins, also speak about the incident.

“I would like to firstly pass my condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack. We as a team and a franchise condemn any such attacks,” Pandya said. 

Cummins said: “It has been heartbreaking for us as well, our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”

Broadcasters were also directed to inform audiences about the significance of the black armbands and the tragic incident. This is not the first time Indian cricket has stood for national tragedies. In 2019, the IPL forewent its opening ceremony after the Pulwama attack. That same year, the Indian team wore camouflage caps to honor fallen soldiers during an ODI.

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