IND vs ENG 1st Test: Why are India and England Players wearing Black Armbands Today?

Add as a preferred source on Google

India are up against England in the first of the five-match Test series, which has started at Headingley. Shubman Gill's team is batting first after England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Sai Sudharsan has been handed a Test debut by India while Karun Nair is also back in the side. All-rounder Shardul Thakur has also been included in the playing 11.

IND vs ENG: Why are India players wearing Black Armbands Today?

Players from both the Indian and England cricket teams have taken to the field wearing black armbands during the first day of the 1st Test match, a gesture that has drawn attention from fans and commentators alike. This solemn act was a mark of respect for the victims of a tragic Air India plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad the previous week, a devastating event that claimed numerous lives and left a profound impact on the nation.

The Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London took 241 lives on board, while its crash landing on the roof of a medical college hostel took further lives of the residence of the building.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England Cricket Board (ECB) jointly announced that both teams would wear black armbands as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragedy. A moment of silence was also observed before the national anthems, underscoring the shared grief and solidarity of the cricketing community.

The BCCI stated, "The Indian team, along with the England team, will wear black armbands today as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in the Air India plane crash last week in Ahmedabad." Similarly, the ECB expressed, "Our thoughts are with all those affected by the terrible events that took place in Ahmedabad last week."