In a symbolic act of solidarity, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared that both players and umpires will don black armbands today in the IPL 2025 match to pay tribute to the victims of the catastrophic terror attack on Pahalgam, Kashmir. The attack took 26 lives, both tourists and locals, and sent shockwaves of sadness across the nation.

A minute's silence prior to the match will be observed to honor those who were killed. Furthermore, the BCCI has also made the decision to mute the entertainment elements that come with the league—there will be no cheerleaders and no celebratory fireworks during the game, keeping the event subdued and respectful.

Standing in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Prayers for the families who lost their loved ones in this gruesome attack 💔 pic.twitter.com/KXAJelZ1n3

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 23, 2025

Also read: Heartbreak in Pahalgam: Ritika Sajdeh reacts to tragic terror attack

Players Show Sadness and Provide Support

A number of Bollywood and cricket celebrities from IPL took to Twitter expressing their grief and sympathies. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya were among the first to tweet mourning the loss of the innocent lives and extending their support to the families who suffered the loss. Rohit's wife, Ritika Sajdeh, shared a story on Instagram displaying her shattered heart emoji, which clearly states the bolstered sadness and grief within the sporting world.

Ritika Sajdeh also posted on her Instagram story highlighting the tragedy, which shows the unified grief throughout the sporting world.

The entire IPL community is united in grief and using the medium of cricket and compassion to remember the departed, bringing an important message of hope and solidarity.