T20 World Cup 2022: Why are England players wearing black armbands in final?

Pakistan and England locked horns against each other in the final of the T20 World Cup at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. While Pakistan defeated New Zealand in the first semi-final, England halted India's run in the mega event to make it to the title clash. Meanwhile, England players were spotted wearing black armbands in the big game and that left the viewers puzzled.

However, the England commentator Nasser Hussain on air cleared that they were paying respect to David English who passed away due to heart attack on November 12. He was referred to as 'Godfather of English Cricket' - whose Bunbury school festivals made careers of more than 10,000 first class cricketers in England.

Buttler sad with English's demise

The England skipper leading the team in the final, Jos Buttler was one from English's class of 2006. Buttler was saddened with his demise as well and took to Twitter to his pay his respects for David English.

"So sad to hear the news of David English passing away. One of life’s great characters, so fun to spend time with and producer of some of the best English cricketers through his wonderful Bunbury Festivals. RIP," Buttler captioned the picture of him with English.

So sad to hear the news of David English passing away. One of life’s great characters, so fun to spend time with and producer of some of the best English cricketers through his wonderful Bunbury Festivals. RIP ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RK3SXUOfSr

— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) November 12, 2022

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had also released a statement ahead of the final that the team will be wearing black armbands in the final. The board also lauded David English for his contribution to England Cricket.

"He did so much for the game, and for charity, and he played a part in the rise of many England Men's cricketers. Our thoughts at this time are with his friends and family," ECB's statement read.