Team India Wear Black Armbands During Champions Trophy 2025

The Indian cricket team was observed wearing black armbands during the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against Australia in Dubai on Tuesday. This gesture was made in memory of Padmakar Shivalkar, who passed away at the age of 84 in Mumbai. Shivalkar was a prominent figure in India’s domestic cricket scene and significantly contributed to Bombay’s dominance in the Ranji Trophy. He was a member of the Bombay team that secured nine Ranji Trophy titles from the 1965-66 season to the 1976-77 season. Numerous former cricketers paid their respects to Shivalkar following his passing, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also chose to honor him by having players wear black armbands.

The BCCI conveyed its profound sadness regarding the loss of Padmakar Shivalkar, a former Ranji Trophy star and a key figure in Mumbai cricket, who died on Monday due to age-related health issues. Shivalkar’s legacy is firmly established in the history of the Ranji Trophy, where he had a distinguished career that lasted over twenty years. Throughout 124 first-class matches, he achieved an impressive total of 589 wickets, maintaining an exceptional bowling average of 19.69.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) deeply mourns the unfortunate demise of Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, who passed away on March 3, 2025. The legendary left-arm spinner was a stalwart of Indian domestic cricket, renowned for his unparalleled skill and dedication to the game,” BCCI said in a statement released on Tuesday.

His ability to generate sharp turn, coupled with impeccable accuracy, made him a nightmare for opposition batters. His most iconic performance came in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final, where he single-handedly dismantled Tamil Nadu with figures of 8/16 and 5/18, guiding Mumbai to yet another title.

BCCI president Roger Binny paid tribute to the late spinner, stating, “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.”

Secretary Devajit Saikia added, “Shivalkar Sir was an inspiration to generations of cricketers. His consistency, skill, and longevity in the game were truly remarkable. While he may not have played for India, his impact on Indian cricket, especially in Mumbai, is undeniable.”

Despite his brilliance, Shivalkar never had the opportunity to represent India at the international level, as his prime coincided with that of the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi. However, his contributions to Indian cricket did not go unnoticed. In 2017, he was honoured with the prestigious Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition of his immense impact on domestic cricket.