ICC CT 2025: Indian Cricketers Wear Black Armbands in Semi-Final to Pay Tribute to Padmakar Shivalkar
Dubai, 4th March 2025: In the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between India and Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Indian players were seen wearing black armbands as they stepped onto the field. The gesture was a tribute to former Mumbai cricketer Padmakar Shivalkar, who passed away a day earlier at the age of 84.
Shivalkar, a left-arm spinner, was a domestic cricket legend who played for Mumbai for over two decades. Despite competing during the era of renowned spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, Shivalkar never got an opportunity to represent India at the international level. Over his illustrious career, he featured in 124 first-class matches, taking 589 wickets, including five instances of 42-wicket hauls in a season and 13 ten-wicket match hauls.
One of his most memorable performances came in the 1972/73 Ranji Trophy final against Tamil Nadu, where he took 8 wickets for 16 runs and 5 wickets for 18 runs, helping Mumbai secure their 15th consecutive title. Shivalkar’s contributions to Indian domestic cricket have left an indelible mark on the sport.
The Indian cricket team’s decision to wear black armbands during this high-stakes match against Australia underscores their respect for Shivalkar’s legacy. Captain Rohit Sharma and his team ensured that their tribute resonated with fans worldwide, who also mourned the loss of one of Mumbai’s cricketing stalwarts.
