Minute’s silence held before T20 League final for Ahmedabad plane crash victims

A sombre mood enveloped the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday evening as players from Shreyas Iyer`s Mumbai Falcons and Siddhesh Lad-led Maratha Royals came together to honour the victims of the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash. Prior to the T20 Mumbai League 2025 final, both teams observed a minute’s silence and sported black armbands as a mark of respect for the lives lost.

Tragedy struck earlier in the day when an Air India flight bound for London, carrying 242 people including crew members, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft went down in a densely populated area, claiming over 200 lives, with only a single survivor rescued so far.

“In light of the tragic plane crash incident in Ahmedabad and in the spirit of solidarity and national sentiments, players from SoBo Mumbai Falcons and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, along with MCA officials, observed a minute of silence for the victims,” read an official statement from the league.

“A condolence message was displayed on the big screen before the start of the T20 Mumbai League 2025 Final at Wankhede Stadium, and all players wore black armbands,” the statement added.

Several legendary figures in Indian cricket, including former captains Kapil Dev, Rohit Sharma, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Diana Edulji, were in attendance for the final and joined in the moment of remembrance.

Meanwhile, Indian players currently training in Beckenham, UK, also expressed their sorrow and solidarity through heartfelt posts on social media.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir shared, “Extremely saddened by the tragic crash in Ahmedabad. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this catastrophe.”

Test captain Shubman Gill conveyed, “Shaken by the heartbreaking tragedy in Ahmedabad. In this hour of grief, sending prayers to all those affected, and strength to the brave souls helping on the ground.”

Veteran batter KL Rahul wrote, “Shocked to hear about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected and their loved ones.”

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj posted, “What happened today in Ahmedabad is extremely tragic and left me very sad. Life is so precious, my heart goes out to all the families affected by the incident. May the souls of the departed rest in peace and may the almighty provide strength to families, friends and loved ones in this difficult moment.”

India’s all-format legend Rohit Sharma wrote on Instagram, “Really sad and disturbing news from Ahmedabad. Prayers for all the lives lost and their families.”

Virat Kohli also offered his condolences, stating, “Shocked to hear about the plane crash at Ahmedabad today. Praying for all those affected and thoughts with their families.”

This article first appeared on Mid Day