Hardik Pandya and Pat Cummins Stand United in Mourning Pahalgam Tragedy During IPL 2025 Clash
In a poignant display of solidarity, captains of Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Hardik Pandya and Pat Cummins, took a moment during their IPL 2025 encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad to express their heartfelt condolences for the victims of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which occurred earlier this week, claimed several lives and left an indelible mark on the nation, casting a somber shadow over the cricketing spectacle.
Before the first ball was bowled, Pandya, after winning the toss and opting to field, addressed the incident with gravitas. ‘It feels good to receive the applause, but firstly, I would like to pass my condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack. We as a team and a franchise strongly condemn any such attacks,’ he stated, his voice resonating with sincerity.
Echoing similar sentiments, Cummins, the Australian pacer leading Sunrisers Hyderabad, added, ‘The news from Pahalgam has been heartbreaking for us as well. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.’ Both captains’ words reflected a shared grief, uniting the cricketing fraternity in a moment of mourning amidst the high-octane IPL season.
The tribute extended beyond words. A 60-second silence was observed across the stadium, announced over the public address system, allowing thousands of fans to join in paying respects to those affected by the tragedy. Players, match officials, and even on-air commentators donned black armbands throughout the game as a visible mark of mourning. In a furthergesture of respect, traditional in-game entertainment, including cheerleader performances and celebratory fireworks, was suspended for the match, emphasizing the gravity of the moment.
On the field, Pandya elaborated on his tactical decision, noting, ‘We’ll bowl first tonight. The track looks good, and we’ve made one change—Vignesh Puthur comes in for Ashwani. Our focus is to execute our plans and keep things simple.’ Cummins, meanwhile, confirmed a change in his lineup, stating, ‘We’ve brought in Jaydev Unadkat, while Mohammed Shami moves to the impact player list. Playing on this surface is a cause for optimism; we know this ground well and have played some great cricket here this year.’
The Pahalgam tragedy, which unfolded in the picturesque valley often dubbed ‘Mini Switzerland’ for its serene beauty, has shocked the nation. Reports indicate that the attack targeted civilians, leaving behind a trail of grief and outrage. According to official sources, security forces have intensified operations in the region to ensure justice and safety, a sentiment echoed by the cricketing heroes who used their platform to stand against such violence.
As the match progressed, the somber tone set by the pre-game tribute lingered, reminding everyone present that cricket, often a unifying force, also serves as a space to reflect on larger societal issues. The lineups for the evening showcased some exciting talent, with Sunrisers Hyderabad fielding stars like Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and captain Cummins himself, while Mumbai Indians boasted a formidable side with Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Pandya leading the charge.
Playing XIs:
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga
Mumbai Indians: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Vignesh Puthur
Impact Substitutes:
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhinav Manohar, Sachin Baby, Rahul Chahar, Wiaan Mulder, Mohammed Shami
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Corbin Bosch, Raj Bawa, Satyanarayana Raju, Robin Minz
In times of adversity, gestures like these from sporting icons remind us of the power of empathy and unity. As the IPL continues, the cricketing world stands with Pahalgam, hoping for peace and healing in the face of such senseless tragedy.