IND vs ENG / Players of both the teams came to play in Leeds Test wearing black bands, know the reason?

IND vs ENG: The much-talked-about five-Test series between India and England started with an emotional moment at the historic Headingley ground in Leeds. In the first Test match, England won the toss and decided to bowl first, but the real attention was drawn when the players of both the teams came on the field wearing black bands.

Actually, this black band was tied to pay tribute to the 241 people who lost their lives in the horrific plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. Both the teams also observed a minute's silence before the national anthem, creating an emotional and respectful atmosphere on the field.

Starting with tribute

The players of both India and England gave priority to humanity before cricket. When the players were standing in line before the national anthem, a minute's silence was observed remembering the victims of the accident. This initiative made not only the spectators but cricket lovers around the world emotional.

New era under the captaincy of Shubman Gill

The Indian Test team is entering a new era with this match. After Rohit Sharma's retirement, young batsman Shubman Gill has been given the responsibility of Test captaincy. Gill entered the field as captain in this format for the first time and was seen batting at number four.

There have been some more special changes in Team India's playing XI. Sai Sudarshan has been given the Test cap for the first time, and he is batting at number three. Apart from this, Karun Nair has also returned to the Test team after a long gap, who will strengthen India's middle order.

A confluence of emotions and cricket

The Leeds Test has become not just a game, but a humanitarian message. The sensitivity of both the teams and the players coming together to show respect in times of grief is an example of sportsmanship. While on the one hand India is starting a new cricketing journey under the leadership of Gill, the sensitivity given to this start made it even more special.

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

A perfectly observed minutes silence.

This morning we remember those lost in the tragic Air India crash last week. pic.twitter.com/mEDsQPqVmH

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 20, 2025