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Shreyas Iyer and Sikandar Raza (Source: BCCI)
India and Zimbabwe players were seen wearing black armbands during the ongoing second T20I of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday, July 25.
The gesture caught the attention of fans, with many wondering why both teams were wearing black armbands before the start of the match.
Earlier in the match, Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bowl first. Looking at India's XI, the team have made just one change and has included Yash Thakur in place of Ashok Sharma. On the other side, Zimbabwe have picked the same XI.
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Why India, Zimbabwe Players Are Wearing Black Armbands In IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I?
It is important to note that both the players from India and Zimbabwe wore black armbands in memory of Zimbabwe Cricket Vice-Chairman Sylvester Matshaka, who passed away last night due to illness (July 24).
Players from both sides chose to wear black armbands as a mark of respect for the senior cricket administrator. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the reason behind the gesture in an official statement.
It said, "Team India and Zimbabwe players are wearing black armbands to pay their respects to the Zimbabwe Cricket Vice-chairman Sylvester Matshaka, who passed away last night."
Both the captains, Shreyas Iyer and Sikandar Raza, were also spotted wearing black armbands during the toss.
Who Was Zimbabwe Cricket Vice-Chairman Sylvester Matshaka?
Sylvester Matshaka, who passed away at the age of 76, was a respected figure in Zimbabwean cricket and education. He became part of the Zimbabwe Cricket Board in 2006 and later took up the role of Vice Chairman in 2015.
He contributed to the administration and progress of cricket in the country.
Before his involvement with cricket, Matshaka built a successful career in public service. He worked in the Ministry of Education and eventually became the Provincial Education Director for Mashonaland East.
He was later appointed Deputy Director of Sport and Culture, where he continued supporting the growth of sports. Sylvester Matshaka influence was also strongly felt in the education sector.
ZC Reaction To Sylvester Matshaka's Death
ZC Chairman Mr Tavengwa Mukuhlan stated, “Today, Zimbabwe Cricket has lost not only a distinguished Vice Chairman, but also a wise counsellor, a principled leader and a dear friend whose service to the game was defined by humility, integrity and selfless devotion.”
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“On behalf of the Zimbabwe Cricket Board, management, staff, players and the entire cricket fraternity, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr Matshaka’s family and loved ones as we mourn a man who gave so much of himself to Zimbabwe Cricket and to our country.
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