The Indian and English cricket teams are wearing black armbands on the final day of the first Test at Headingley to honor former Indian cricketer Dilip Doshi, who passed away on Monday night in London at the age of 77.
Doshi, a left-arm orthodox spinner, represented India in 33 Tests between 1979 and 1983, claiming 114 wickets at an average of 30.71, including six five-wicket hauls. He also played 15 One Day Internationals (ODIs), taking 22 wickets. His impactful career extended to first-class cricket, where he played 238 games for teams like Saurashtra, Bengal, Warwickshire, and Nottinghamshire.
The two teams also observed a minute's silence before the start of play on Tuesday in memory of Doshi. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President, Roger Binny, expressed his condolences, acknowledging Doshi as "a true artist of spin bowling, a gentleman both on and off the field, and a dedicated servant of Indian cricket." Binny further emphasized Doshi's immense impact on the game and his inspiration to a generation of cricketers, assuring that his contribution to Indian cricket would always be remembered.
This is not the first time in the match that the teams have worn black armbands. On the first day of the Test, players from both sides wore black armbands to pay homage to the victims of the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, where over 240 lives were lost.
Additionally, on the third day of the Test, the teams again sported black armbands to pay their respects to former England and Gloucestershire fast bowler David "Syd" Lawrence, who had recently passed away at the age of 61 after battling motor neurone disease (MND). Lawrence was a pioneering figure in English cricket, being the first British-born Black player to represent England in international cricket. He played five Tests and one ODI between 1988 and 1992, securing 22 wickets. His career was tragically cut short by a knee injury in 1992. In recognition of his contributions to cricket and the community, Lawrence was appointed MBE in the King's Birthday Honors of 2025 and was named one of the inaugural Honorary Life Vice-Presidents of the ECB.
Wearing black armbands is a common practice in cricket to honor deceased members of the cricket fraternity or to mark tragic events. The gesture serves as a mark of respect and remembrance, uniting players and fans in mourning and solidarity.
