In a poignant tribute to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the Indian cricket team donned black armbands on the second day of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 27, 2024. This gesture was a mark of respect for Dr Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92 after a prolonged illness.
The Legacy of Dr Manmohan Singh
Dr. Manmohan Singh, a renowned economist and statesman, served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. He was instrumental in implementing economic reforms that transformed India’s economy in the early 1990s. His leadership and vision left an indelible mark on the nation, and his passing has been mourned by people across the country.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a statement acknowledging the team’s tribute: “The Indian team is wearing black armbands as a mark of respect in the memory of former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away.” The decision to wear black armbands was made collectively by the team, who received the news of Dr Singh’s passing while in Melbourne.
The cricketing fraternity, including former players like Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag, also paid their respects to Dr Singh. They remembered him as a leader whose wisdom and humility inspired many. Athletes from other sports, such as wrestler Vinesh Phogat and badminton player Gutta Jwala, joined in paying tribute to the late Prime Minister, highlighting his impact on sports and development in India.
Team India wears black arm band as tribute and respect for Dr Manmohan Singh.
– Beautiful gesture from Team India. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/V3soNeDbaV
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 26, 2024
On the field, the Indian team faced a challenging day as Australia resumed their innings at 311 for 6. Despite the sombre mood, the players remained focused on the game, determined to honour Dr Singh’s memory with their performance. The gesture of wearing black armbands served as a reminder of the profound respect and admiration the team and the nation held for Dr Manmohan Singh.
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