Why Is Team India Wearing Black Armbands in the Champions Trophy Semi-Final Against Australia?

The Indian team wore black armbands during their ICC Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The armbands were worn in honour of Padmakar Shivalkar who died at the age of 84 in Mumbai.

"In honor of the late Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, Team India is wearing black armbands today,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted on social media platform X.

BCCI President Roger Binny honored the late spinner, saying, “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.”

Shivalkar was a key player in Mumbai’s dominance in the Ranji Trophy, playing an important role in their 15-season winning streak. Over his 25-year career, he played 124 First-Class matches and took an impressive 589 wickets, maintaining an excellent bowling average of 19.74. His talent and consistency made him one of the finest bowlers in Indian domestic cricket.

In 2017, the BCCI honored Shivalkar and fellow left-arm spinner Rajinder Goel with the Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Just last month, Shivalkar made his final public appearance when the Mumbai Cricket Association felicitated him on the 50th anniversary of the Wankhede Stadium.

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