Melbourne [Australia]: The Indian cricket team paid tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh by wearing black armbands on the second day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
In a statement on X, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the gesture:
“The Indian Cricket Team is wearing black armbands as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh who passed away on Thursday.”
The Indian Cricket Team is wearing black armbands as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh who passed away on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/nXVUHSaqel
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 27, 2024
Dr. Singh, aged 92, passed away due to age-related medical conditions. AIIMS, New Delhi, provided details of his passing:
“With profound grief, we inform the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26th December 2024. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi at 8:06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM.”
Several former cricketers, including Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Gautam Gambhir, and VVS Laxman, took to social media to express their condolences and reflect on Dr. Singh’s leadership and contributions to India’s economy.
Gautam Gambhir noted:
“Dr. Manmohan Singh was a statesman whose vision helped shape modern India. His efforts to reform our economy were unmatched. Deeply saddened by his passing.”
Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan also joined in offering heartfelt tributes to the former Prime Minister.
Born in Punjab in 1932, Dr. Singh served as India’s Prime Minister for two terms, from 2004 to 2014. His tenure was marked by significant economic reforms and efforts to modernize India’s global standing. He retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after 33 years of service.