SRH vs MI: Players to wear black bands to honor Pahalgam victims

In a heartfelt show of solidarity, players from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians will wear black armbands during today’s IPL 2025 clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The gesture is in memory of the 26 lives lost in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, a tragedy that has sent shockwaves across the nation. 

Standing in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Prayers for the families who lost their loved ones in this gruesome attack 💔 pic.twitter.com/KXAJelZ1n3

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 23, 2025

Minute's silence with no fireworks today

To honour the victims, the match will begin with a minute’s silence. In a further mark of respect, the BCCI has announced that there will be no cheerleaders or fireworks at the stadium today. A BCCI official confirmed: ‘Players and umpires to wear black armbands in today’s match. There will be one minute’s silence before the start, and there will be no cheerleaders or fireworks.’ 

The cricketing world has responded with an outpouring of grief. Top Indian players including Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill have taken to social media to condemn the attack and express their support for the families of the victims. The messages reflect a united front, not just on the pitch but as citizens standing together in the face of senseless violence.   

Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence like this has no place in our country.

— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) April 22, 2025

Virat Kohli took to Instagram to condemn the attack. (Credit: Instagram)

Not the first gesture of solidarity

Indian cricket has a history of paying tribute in difficult times. After the Pulwama attack in 2019, the BCCI scrapped the IPL’s opening ceremony and made donations towards victim support. During that year’s World Cup, players wore camouflage caps and MS Dhoni’s gloves famously featured the Army insignia — small but powerful acts of remembrance. 

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High stakes on the field today

While today’s match carries emotional weight, there’s plenty riding on the cricket too. Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are looking to stretch their three-match winning run, while Pat Cummins' Sunrisers Hyderabad — currently sitting 9th on the table — desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. It promises to be a gripping encounter, framed by a moment of silence and unity.