Hyderabad, April 23, 2025 — In a solemn tribute to the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, players from Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad will don black armbands during their Indian Premier League (IPL) fixture scheduled for this evening at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
The symbolic gesture comes in the wake of a brutal assault on Tuesday that claimed the lives of 28 tourists and left many others injured. As a mark of national mourning, the match will forgo traditional elements of celebration, including cheerleaders and fireworks, in favour of a more subdued and respectful atmosphere.
Match officials, including umpires, will also wear black armbands. A one-minute silence will be observed before the game commences at 7:30 p.m., reflecting the shared grief and solidarity of the cricketing community and the nation at large.
A Tragic Attack in Paradise
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, unfolded in the serene Baisaran meadow—an alpine haven located about 7 km from Pahalgam, accessible only by foot or horseback. According to witness accounts, six assailants dressed in military uniforms approached groups of tourists and, in a chilling sequence, demanded they recite Islamic verses. Those unable to comply were reportedly fired upon at close range.
The targeted nature of the assault has raised concerns of religious profiling, as initial reports suggest non-Muslim tourists may have been specifically singled out.
Among those killed was Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a naval officer based in Kochi, who had recently married and was on his honeymoon. Two foreign nationals—from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates—were also among the deceased. The attack, carried out in broad daylight and within proximity of deployed security forces, has reignited debates over regional security preparedness and the vulnerability of civilian spaces in the conflict-prone region.
National Response
The attack has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum, as well as from international leaders. Security forces have launched a comprehensive manhunt in the region, and authorities have pledged swift justice.
Tonight’s IPL match, usually a stage for festivity and sporting spectacle, will instead serve as a platform of remembrance—honouring those whose lives were senselessly cut short and reinforcing the message that such acts of terror will not shake the unity and resilience of the Indian people.
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