In a heartfelt gesture, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will pay tribute to the victims of the horrific Pahalgam terror attack during Match 41 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, scheduled between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians on Wednesday, April 23.
The match will be held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
The terror attack, which tragically claimed 26 lives — including two foreign nationals — has sent ripples of grief and outrage across the nation.
According to a report by Times Now, as a mark of respect, players and match officials will wear black armbands, and a minute’s silence will be observed before the start of the match.
Additionally, the IPL has opted to forgo all in-game entertainment elements such as fireworks and cheerleaders, maintaining an atmosphere of austerity throughout the contest.
The BCCI also issued a statement to condemn the "ghastly and cowardly" attack.
"The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said.
"On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the berieved families and prayers for the departed souls. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy," he added.
The Indian cricket team snapped bilateral cricket with Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and recently refused to tour the country for the Champions Trophy, prompting the ICC to make provisions for a neutral venue in Dubai.
This tribute comes amidst an outpouring of condolences and condemnation from across the Indian sporting fraternity, including messages from Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, Gautam Gambhir, and other notable athletes.
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