The title match of the World Test Championship is being played between South Africa and Australia at Lord's. On the third day of the match, players from both teams wore black armbands and observed a one-minute silence before play began. They did this to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. Air India's Boeing 787-8 flight crashed just seconds after takeoff on Thursday. A total of 241 people, including 12 crew members, died in the accident.

Along with the players, field umpires Chris Gaffney and Richard Illingworth also wore black armbands as a mark of respect.

There were 169 Indian citizens, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian citizen on board the Air India flight. The flight was going from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. Sadly, the plane crashed just after takeoff, and 241 people, including 12 crew members, lost their lives in the accident.

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Only one person, Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, survived this terrible crash. He was sitting on seat 11-A, which was in the part of the plane that remained on the ground floor of the building after the collision. Vishwas, a British citizen of Indian origin, managed to escape by unbuckling his seatbelt. He said his left hand was burned when the fire started.

Australian and South African players wearing black armbands and observed a moment of silence for Ahmedabad plane victims. pic.twitter.com/DEelygZsr8

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 13, 2025

Before the start of the third day of the WTC Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s, players from both teams wore black armbands and observed a one-minute silence to pay tribute to the victims of the crash. The umpires, Chris Gaffney and Richard Illingworth, also wore black bands as a mark of respect.

Commentator Nasser Hussain spoke about the gesture during the live broadcast. He said, “It is clearly visible that the players are wearing black bands. While we are enjoying the match here in the sunshine of England, our thoughts are with the people affected by the tragic incident in India. We request everyone to observe a moment of silence to show respect.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Talking about the match, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon came out to open Australia’s second innings on Day 3 of the match, while Kagiso Rabada began the bowling for South Africa. Australia is trying to defend the WTC title it won in 2023 by beating India. South Africa, on the other hand, is aiming to win its first ICC trophy since 1998, when it defeated the West Indies in the Champions Trophy final. A win at Lord’s would end their 27-year wait for another ICC title.

Former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan, along with several Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, shared their sorrow following the tragic crash of Air India just outside Ahmedabad on Thursday. The Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, crashed at approximately 1:38 PM local time into the Meghani Nagar residential area just five minutes after takeoff and was headed to London. Disaster struck with approximately 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Such news sent tremors around the country.

Social media went abuzz with pictures of thick plumes of smoke billowing from the wreckage area and a dire picture of the disastrous crash. Cricketers and teams took to the platforms to extend condolences and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. Harbhajan Singh, in a heartfelt post on X, wrote, “I am utterly shocked and deeply anguished to learn about the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families who are enduring unimaginable pain and loss.”

Irfan Pathan, who is a Lok Sabha MP and former cricketer, also shared his condolences on X, writing, "Very shocked to hear about the #AirIndia Ahmedabad-London flight incident near Ahmedabad airport. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew. And several IPL franchises, such as Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Chennai Super Kings, also released condolence messages online, emphasizing their thoughts are with those affected.

Official Response and Support

Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran responded to the tragedy, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he wrote on X, noting that an emergency center and support group is established for those looking for information on the issues that arise from this incident.

I am utterly shocked and deeply anguished to learn about the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families who are enduring unimaginable pain and loss. In moments like these, words feel so inadequate, but I hope…

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 12, 2025

pic.twitter.com/lQwoW0W2l6

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 12, 2025

Very shocked to hear about the #AirIndia Ahmedabad-London flight incident near Ahmedabad airport. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew. 🙏#PlaneCrash #Ahmedabad

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) June 12, 2025

Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew and the families impacted by the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash.
You are in our hearts and prayers.💔🙏

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) June 12, 2025

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The crash, which marked the first hull loss of a Boeing 787, prompted swift action from authorities. Emergency services, including fire brigades and ambulances, were deployed, and Ahmedabad airport suspended operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has begun an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The crash occurred after the pilots sent a mayday call indicating a life-or-death emergency situation had developed.