The world of cricket paused to pay its respects at the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's, as the Australian and South African teams united to honor the victims of the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025, claiming the lives of 241 people on board.
Before the start of play on Day 3 of the WTC final, the players and officials observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect for the lives lost. Additionally, players from both teams wore black armbands as a sign of solidarity and mourning. Matthew Hayden, the former Australian opening batter and recent ICC Hall of Fame inductee, rang the bell at Lord's to signal five minutes before the start of play, preceding the solemn tribute.
The Air India flight, bound for London Gatwick Airport, had 230 passengers and 12 crew members. According to reports, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national on board. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar.
Initial reports indicate the plane struggled to gain altitude shortly after takeoff. Eyewitnesses near the airport reported hearing abnormal engine noises before the aircraft nosedived and crashed into a residential area in the Meghani area, near the airport. The crash site was near the hostel of B.J. Medical College, and the impact and subsequent fire caused extensive damage. Besides those on board, at least 24 people on the ground, including medical students and residents, were also killed.
The sole survivor of the crash was identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British-Indian national who was seated in 11A, near an emergency exit. He recounted hearing a loud noise after takeoff and was able to escape the wreckage.
The incident has sent shockwaves through India and the international community. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with injured victims at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The government has pledged to provide full support to the families of the victims and has initiated a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with the help of US and UK experts.
Air India has established a dedicated hotline to provide information and support to the affected families. Compensation of approximately Rs 1.5 crore will be provided, according to the Montreal Convention treaty.
The tribute at Lord's served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the tragedy, uniting the cricket community in grief and solidarity. As the investigation into the crash continues, the world mourns the lives lost and offers support to those affected by this devastating event.
