Ahmedabad Plane Crash Tribute: Aussie & South African Players Wear Black Armbands During WTC Final 2025

On June 13, 2025, during the World Test Championship final, Australia and South Africa players paid a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash. Air India Flight AI171, bound for London, crashed seconds after takeoff on June 12, killing 241 people. 

Both teams wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence on the third day to honor the victims of India’s worst aviation disaster. 

Ahmedabad Plane Crash Tribute

On June 12, 2025, Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew, crashed 30 seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport into a doctors’ hostel, causing a fire and killing over 240, including students.

 Only one passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived, escaping from seat 11A through the emergency door. The world is shocked by this crash, with 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian among the deceased.

Solidarity in Cricket

Players from South Africa and Australia, along with umpires and fans, paid this tribute on the third day of the Test match. Commentator Nasser Hussain wrote that while we enjoy cricket, our thoughts are with India. 

Black armbands are a significant cricket tradition for paying tribute, also worn by Indian players in their intra-squad match. The BCCI shared a video of the minute’s silence on social media, showcasing respect and solidarity.

Match Context

The World Test Championship final was intense. Australia scored 212 runs to defend their 2023 title, and on the second day, they took six wickets, restricting South Africa to 138. South Africa performed well, with Kagiso Rabada taking five wickets. 

The Ahmedabad plane crash tribute reminded everyone that some moments are bigger than cricket, and the players honored the victims with dignity. 

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