A minute's silence observed for IS Bindra, Ajit Pawar in Ranji Trophy games in Chandigarh, Mumbai
New Delhi, Jan 29
Players and officials observed a minute's silence in memory of former BCCI President IS Bindra and Maharashtra's deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar ahead of the Ranji Trophy round seven fixtures in Chandigarh and Mumbai, respectively.
Bindra, who served as the BCCI President from 1993 to 1996, apart from being the President of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), passed away at the age of 84 in New Delhi on Sunday. At the IS Bindra Cricket Stadium in Mohali, both the Punjab and Karnataka teams, along with match officials, observed a minute's silence before play began in the Elite Group B clash.
"A minute's silence was observed ahead of the Ranji Trophy match between Punjab and Karnataka in memory of former BCCI President Mr Inderjit Singh Bindra, who passed away on 25th January, 2026, at the age of 84," said the BCCI through its 'X' account for domestic cricket on Thursday.
Meanwhile, at the BKC Ground in Mumbai, players from both the Mumbai and Delhi teams, along with match officials, observed a minute's silence for Pawar, who passed away in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, on Wednesday, before play began in the Elite Group D clash. The players are also sporting black armbands in honour of Pawar.
"A moment of silence was observed before the Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Delhi to pay tribute to the late Hon. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Dada Pawar, honouring his memory and contributions.
"A moment of silence was observed before the Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Delhi to pay tribute to the late Hon. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Dada Pawar, honouring his memory and contributions," wrote Ajinkya Naik, President of the Mumbai Cricket Association, on his 'X' account.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's a respectful gesture, but I hope the focus quickly returns to the cricket. The Ranji Trophy is so important for developing players, and these moments of silence, while meaningful, shouldn't disrupt the competitive spirit of the game.
Very sad news about Ajit Dada Pawar. A sudden and tragic loss for Maharashtra politics. Seeing the Mumbai team wear black armbands shows how much he meant to the state. My condolences to his family and supporters.
Bindra sir contributed so much during a transitional phase for BCCI. And paying respects to a sitting Deputy CM is the right thing to do. These traditions are important—they remind players and fans that there's more to life than just the scoreboard.
A somber week for Indian cricket and Maharashtra politics. It's good to see the cricket community come together to honour them. Hope Punjab and Mumbai can play inspired cricket in their memory.
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