On Thursday, June 12, just after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, the Air India AI-171 headed for London crashed. 241 passengers and 33 on-ground personnel were among the 274 fatalities. The most recent reports state that 198 victims’ mortal remains were given to their relatives, while DNA samples verified the identities of 215 people.
Players from both sides observed a moment of silence on Friday, June 20, in honour of the departed souls and to show support for the irate families ahead of the first Test match between England and India at Headingley, Leeds.
Before play began on Day 1 of the first Test match at Headingley, Leeds, the Indian and England cricket teams observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the Ahmedabad plane tragedy victims. To show support for those impacted, the teams are donning the black armbands. On its official ‘X’ feed, BCCI posted a picture of the Indian team along with the words, “The teams offer their deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who tragically lost their lives.”
The Indian Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash ahead of the start of play on Day 1 of the first Test at Headingley, Leeds.
The teams are wearing the black armbands to express solidarity with… pic.twitter.com/Guxf1aO8iJ
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 20, 2025
India is off to a strong start.
After winning the toss, Ben Stokes chose to bowl first. His pacers haven’t been able to gain ground early on, either, as KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal have amassed a 44-run partnership going into the series’ first official Drinks Break.
Of the two hitters, Jaiswal has been the most showy. In the Border-Gavaskar series earlier this year, he picked up where he left off. Even though several balls have swung wildly, the hitting conditions have appeared to be excellent. Jaiswal and Rahul will like to turn their early beginnings into significant runs.
India
