Ayush Mhatre for India - (Source: AFP)
On Tuesday, January 27, India locked horns against Zimbabwe in match 32 of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. For the ongoing match, Ayush Mhatre lost the coin flip, and India were invited to bat first.
During the toss, the Boys in Blue were spotted wearing a black armband, which raised curiosity among fans. For the unversed, the gesture is a sign of respect for former BCCI president IS Bindra, who breathed his last on January 25, 2026, at the age of 84.
Who was IS Bindra?
Former BCCI president IS Bindra was one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket administration. Bindra was the one who understood Indian cricket’s true potential and transformed the sleeping giants into the current beasts.
Bindra served as BCCI president from 1993 to 1996 and led the Punjab Cricket Association for decades. Bindra’s best work came in 1987 when he was moved the ODI World Cup out of England. Notably, India hosted the event, and it was the first time that a World Cup was played outside the UK.
One of IS Bindra’s most transformative moves came in 1994, when he approached the Supreme Court to challenge Doordarshan’s monopoly over cricket broadcasting. The verdict opened Indian cricket to private and global broadcasters. It was a revolutionary thing because it allowed foreign media to invest in Indian cricket, and the BCCI got stable financially because of the media right deals.
Cricket fraternity mourns IS Bindra’s passing
The BCCI issued a press release where they honoured the legacy of IS Bindra and also mourned his passing. BCCI president Mithun Manhas also issued a press release.
“Mr I.S. Bindra was a visionary administrator whose leadership helped redefine India’s role in world cricket. His contributions went far beyond governance as he helped build systems and institutions that continue to serve players, administrators, and the game itself to this day. The BCCI mourns the loss of a true stalwart of Indian cricket administration,”BCCI President Mr Mithun Manhas said.
Similarly, a lot of former cricketers and big administrators of the game have spared a thought for the 84-year-old who has done a lot for Indian cricket on their respective social media handles.
India cruising to the semi-finals of the tournament
The Ayush Mhatre-led side are having a tournament to remember as India are yet to lose a match in the World Cup. India played three games in the group stages and won all the matches, including one against Bangladesh despite rain-interruption.
Even in Super 6, India are ahead in the group and with a win over Zimbabwe, they can top the group and also put a foot in the semi-finals. The Ayush Mhatre-led side will lock horns against Pakistan on February 1 and it will be a key game for the Blues to stay alive in the tournament and qualify as the table-toppers.
