Day 1 of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test between India and England at Headingley commenced with both teams wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for the victims of the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The tragic incident, which occurred on June 12, 2025, involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London's Gatwick Airport. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in a devastating loss of life.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the gesture prior to the match, stating that both teams would wear black armbands to honor those who perished in the tragic event. In addition to wearing black armbands, a moment of silence was observed before the start of play, just before the national anthems, as a further mark of respect.
The Air India flight AI 171 crash claimed the lives of 274 people, including passengers and crew. Among the victims were a significant number of Indian and British nationals, adding a poignant layer to the tribute by the two cricket teams. The aircraft crashed into a hostel block of the BJ Medical College, located in the Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad, moments after takeoff. Only one person survived the crash.
The gesture from the Indian and English teams resonated deeply, acknowledging the shared grief and loss felt by both nations. India's vice-captain, Rishabh Pant, addressed the tragedy in a pre-match press conference, expressing the team's collective sadness and their commitment to bringing joy back to the nation through their performance on the field. He acknowledged the emotional impact of the crash.
The decision to wear black armbands was a collaborative effort, symbolizing unity and solidarity in the face of tragedy. It served as a reminder of the human cost of such events and the importance of remembering those affected. Several sources confirmed that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officially announced the wearing of black armbands as a tribute.
