Why are Players Wearing Black Armbands in Punjab vs Karnataka Ranji Trophy Match?

Punjab and Maharashtra are taking on each other in the Group B match of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 at the Punjab Cricket Association's IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. Punjab captain Uday Saharan won the toss and asked Karnataka to bowl first.

The Karnataka cricket team is being led by the left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal, despite having players like KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal in the team. However, more than the presence of some of the best batsmen in India, fans were surprised to see players from both teams wearing the black armbands.

Why are Players Wearing Black Armbands in Punjab vs Karnataka Match?

When Punjab openers Prabhsimran Singh and Abhijeet Garg came to bat, fans noticed a black armband around their arms. The same could be seen around the Karnataka players' arms as well. The reason behind Punjab vs Karnataka Ranji Trophy black armbands is the death of former BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra, popularly known as IS Bindra, who passed away at the age of 84 in New Delhi on January 25.

Interestingly, the match is also being played in the PCA stadium, which was renamed the I.S. Bindra Stadium in 2015 in his honour. A minute's silence was also observed ahead of the Punjab vs Karnataka Ranji Trophy match in memory of the legendary cricket administrator.

Currently, there are two matches where black armbands in Ranji Trophy are being worn. The players in the Mumbai vs Delhi match are also wearing black armbands to pay tribute to the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who lost his life on January 28,2026 in a plane crash.

IS Bindra's Valuable Contribution to Cricket

IS Bindra played a major role in the evolution of cricket in India for a very long time. He served as the BCCI president between 1993 and 1996. He also served as the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) chief for 36 years between 1978 and 2014, and later retired from cricket administration.

Bindra played a pivotal role, along with NKP Salve and Jagmohan Dalmiya, to help India secure the hosting rights for the 1987 World Cup. All these great administrators are included in the all-time BCCI president list. Notably, it was the first time a major tournament was held outside the UK.

Wearing black armbands in domestic cricket is a great gesture to pay tribute to the legends like IS Bindra, who has done so much for the sport behind the camera. Bindra's contribution to Indian cricket and Punjab domestic cricket will be remembered forever.