LSG, CSK observe minute silence and wear black armbands for Uttar Pradesh storm victims before IPL 2026 match 59

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are hosting Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday night (May 15), where Lucknow experienced a special on-field gesture from both teams. Before the beginning of the match, both LSG and CSK had a minute of silence for the recent Uttar Pradesh storm victims. 

The IPL 2026 is now moving to the crucial last moment of the league stage, as most of the teams have only two matches remaining. LSG and CSK both are playing their 12th game of the season, while Lucknow is hosting the 59th match of the tournament. 

The five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings are currently running with a three-match winning streak, as they are in fifth place in the IPL 2026 points table with 12 points after 11 games (six wins and five losses). Meanwhile, the 10th or last placed Lucknow Super Giants have only six points after 11 games (three wins and eight losses), as they have won only once in the last eight matches. 

See Also: IPL 2026 Playoffs picture after PBKS vs MI: What every team needs to qualify — Updated points table

Why did LSG and CSK players wear black armbands before IPL 2026 match 59 in Lucknow?

After the toss, both LSG and CSK lined up before the match began, as both teams had a minute of silence along with the entire stadium. Also, players of both teams have worn black armbands. Both teams did this in memory of the victims in the recent storms in Uttar Pradesh.  

Uttar Pradesh storm kills more than 100 people — IPL pays tribute as LSG host CSK in Lucknow

Several districts of Uttar Pradesh have been seriously affected by the recent powerful storm accompanied by heavy rainfall. It has resulted in huge destruction, as 140+ people have reportedly died, apart from several injuries. Furthermore, there were many homes damaged, along with trees uprooted and multiple structural collapses. 

Both LSG and CSK joined together to bring respect after the recent disaster. Both franchises also shared the moment of the minute of silence on the field. It was done before the first ball of the match, where the LSG captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and chose to field first. 

See Also: PBKS vs MI Tonight — One Result in Dharamsala decides CSK, RR and Punjab Kings' playoff fate

Cricket pauses for humanity — LSG and CSK step out with black armbands as UP mourns

The game briefly paused for humanity, as LSG and CSK players had a moment of silence, while the players came on the field wearing black armbands. A black armband is a symbol of mourning, remembrance, or solidarity, and both teams have respected the situation. 

CSK lost both the openers in the powerplay, as the five-time champions scored 37/2 at the end of the powerplay. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 13 runs, while his opening partner in-form Sanju Samson was dismissed for 20 runs. Also, Urvil Patel (5) was dismissed cheaply, as CSK were struggling at 52/3. However, Kartik Sharma and Dewald Brevis had a 70-run partnership for the fourth wicket, as CSK scored 122/4 in 14.4 overs at the second strategic timeout moment. While Brevis was out for 25 off 16 balls, Kartik was batting at 53 not out off 36 balls.