Hardik Pandya and Pat Cummins Advocate Peace Wearing Black Armbands

By Gurlal Singh

Cricket Player who is writing about cricket now.

Posted: April 23, 2025
Last updated: April 24, 2025

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In a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match, significant gestures were made by captains Hardik Pandya and Pat Cummins, representing Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, respectively. The match took place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, where both captains donned black armbands during the toss ceremony. This symbolic gesture served to honor the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which occurred on April 22.

The decision to wear black armbands was a joint tribute from both teams, expressing their deep condolences to the families affected by the tragic incident. Before the match commenced, both captains took a moment to address the crowds, condemning the brutal attack and standing in solidarity with the victims’ families.

The captains stated that the black armbands were more than just a simple mark of respect; they represented an unequivocal condemnation of the terror attack. The cricketers highlighted the importance of unity and peace, urging people to come together in times of adversity.

Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, won the toss and elected to field against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The cricketing community, supportive fans, and even opponents shared a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives in the attack, showcasing that sports can unify individuals beyond boundaries.

The gesture by Pandya and Cummins underscores the responsibility sports personalities feel, extending beyond the sports field, to advocate for peace. Their actions set a precedent not only within their teams but for the entire cricket fraternity, demonstrating that sports can, and should, play a pivotal role in fostering peace and solidarity during difficult times.

This eventful toss, although a small part of a cricket match, highlighted a much larger issue, bringing awareness and empathy to audiences far beyond the cricket stadium.