Revealed- Why Indian Players Are Wearing Black Armbands vs Australia In Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal

The Board for Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed that all of the players will wear black armbands during the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy against Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Blue Brigade qualified into the fixture with an unbeaten campaign. They started the competition with a victory against Bangladesh, thanks to Shubman Gill’s century, while Virat Kohli’s undefeated century carried them over the line against Pakistan. Varun Chakravarthy’s superb spell of five wickets was enough to bail the 2013 title winners out of trouble against New Zealand.

Indian players to wear black armbands in Padmakar Shivalkar’s memory

The champion left-arm spinner, Padmakar Shivalkar, has died at the age of 84, as he breathed his last in Mumbai on March 03. In the history of the Ranji Trophy, he was twinned with the Hayana left-arm spinner Rajinder Goel.

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The left-arm spinner picked up 589 wickets in 124 innings at an average of just under 20 and a strike rate of 57.9, thanks to 42 five-wicket hauls and 13 ten-wicket hauls. It’s quite unfortunate that he didn’t get a chance for the international side when Bishan Singh Bedi enjoyed the prime time.

“One of the regrets I have is that, as the then captain of the Indian team, I could not convince my fellow selectors to pick Goel Saab and Paddy too. They were born in the same era as the greatest left-arm bowler, Mr. Bishan Singh Bedi. Else, they too would have played plenty of Tests for India.” The former captain, Sunil Gavaskar, told the Hindu when the BCCI awarded Goel and Shivalkar the CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award in 2017.

The current BCCI president, Roger Binny, has expressed how selflessly Shivalkar contributed to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) in the past by winning them many titles.

“Indian cricket has lost a true legend today. Padmakar Shivalkar's mastery over left-arm spin and his deep understanding of the game made him a revered figure in domestic cricket. His exceptional career and selfless contribution to Mumbai and Indian cricket will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” The former medium pacer stated.

MCA shares heartfelt message after Padmakar Shivalkar passed away

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) shared a very emotional message on the morning of March 04 when they highlighted the former spinners’ passion and contribution to the game.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Padmakar Shivalkar, a true legend of Mumbai cricket. His invaluable contributions, passion for the game, and inspiring legacy will always be remembered and cherished.” The MCA statement revealed.

On Shivalkar’s memory, all the players are wearing the black armbands in Dubai during the first semifinal against Australia.

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“In honor of the late Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, Team India is wearing black armbands today.” The BCCI expressed on the social media handle.

India trusts on four spinners vs Australia

For the first four overs, only KL Rahul and Mohamad Shami participated in the semifinal as Cooper Connolly kept on missing the outside edge for a long time. But Travis Head freed his arms and belted a few boundaries in the powerplay.

Varun Chakravarthy gave the blue brigade the vital breakthrough, before Steve Smith celebrates a fine half-century. Australia was on 158/4 in the allotted 30 overs and will hope to extend the score near 300 to take full advantage of winning the toss.