Poonam Nath

Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal: Team India remembers once-a Ranji trophy dominator, 'Padmakar Shivalkar'; Wears Black Armbands as tribute

Digital Desk: The Indian cricket team's players were seen wearing black armbands during Tuesday's Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against Australia in Dubai.

The armbands were worn in honor of Padmakar Shivalkar, who died at the age of 84 in Mumbai. Shivalkar was an integral figure in India's domestic chain, and he certainly played an important role in Bombay's Ranji Trophy victory.

Shivalkar was part of the Bombay team that won nine Ranji Trophy trophies between 1965-66 and 1976-77. Following Shivalkar's death, several former cricketers paid respect to him, and the BCCI chose to do the same by placing black armbands on the players' jerseys.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed great sadness over the death of Padmar Shivalkar, a former Ranji Trophy player and foundation of Mumbai cricket, who died on Monday owing to age-related complications.

Shivalkar's name is inscribed in the history of the Ranji Trophy, where he had a successful career spanning two decades. In 124 first-class matches, he took an incredible 589 wickets at an average of 19.69.

Despite not playing for India at the international level, Shivalkar's contributions to Indian cricket were honored with the Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

Shivalkar's skill of left-arm spin and thorough comprehension of the game made him a household name in domestic cricket. His outstanding career and selfless contributions to Mumbai and Indian cricket will be remembered forever.

Shivalkar's consistency, skill, and endurance in the game were unparalleled, and his influence on Indian cricket, particularly in Mumbai, was apparent.

BCCI President Roger Binny and Secretary Devajit Saikia also paid respect to the late Padmakar Shivalkar, a highly regarded spinner in Indian cricket.