IPL 2025: CAB Honors Pahalgam Terror Attack Victims in Emotional Tribute Before KKR vs PBKS Clash
In a poignant and heartfelt gesture, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) paid tribute to the victims of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack before the high-octane IPL 2025 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Eden Gardens on Saturday. The somber moment saw players, officials, and fans unite in solidarity as a minute’s silence was observed to honor the lives lost in the devastating attack in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
As a further mark of respect, the customary ringing of the historic Eden bell—a tradition symbolizing the start of play at the venue—was skipped. This gesture underscored the gravity of the tragedy that struck on Tuesday, claiming 26 lives, predominantly tourists, and leaving several others critically injured.
The tribute was graced by prominent CAB officials, including president Snehasish Ganguly, secretary Naresh Ojha, treasurer Prabir Chakrabarty, and joint secretary Debabrata Das, among others. Adding an international touch to the solemn occasion, Brad Haddin, former Australian wicketkeeper and current assistant coach of Punjab Kings, also joined in to pay his respects, highlighting the universal spirit of cricket in times of grief.
The Pahalgam terror attack has sent shockwaves across the nation, with the scenic valley—known for its serene beauty and as a popular tourist destination—being marred by violence. Reports indicate that security forces have intensified efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, while the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives. The CAB’s tribute resonated deeply with fans, many of whom took to social media to express appreciation for cricket’s role in fostering unity and remembrance during such dark times.
Returning to the field after the tribute, the focus shifted to cricketing action as Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bat first under the Kolkata floodlights. PBKS made strategic changes to their lineup, bringing in the explosive Glenn Maxwell and Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai in place of Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders reshuffled their squad as well, introducing Rovman Powell and young pacer Chetan Sakariya in lieu of Moeen Ali and Ramandeep Singh, aiming to bolster their batting and bowling firepower.
Playing XIs for KKR vs PBKS:
Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Vaibhav Arora, Chetan Sakariya, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
As the match unfolded, the emotional undercurrent of the tribute lingered in the air, reminding everyone that cricket, beyond its competitive spirit, remains a powerful medium to convey compassion and solidarity. With both teams looking to secure crucial points in the IPL 2025 standings, the night at Eden Gardens was not just about runs and wickets, but also about honoring resilience in the face of adversity.