WTC 2023 Final: Why are India and Australia players wearing black armbands?

Ahead of the eagerly-anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 Final, players of both Australia and team India were seen wearing black armbands. The players were seen wearing it on their left sleeve to stand in solidarity with the victims who lost their lives in Odisha’s deadly triple-train crash. 

In addition to this, the players also observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims just prior to the national anthems. The deadly train collision took place on Friday, June 2 that killed over 250 people in Balasore district of Odisha. Furthermore, the BCCI released an official statement on that regard and mourned the death of the lives lost. 

“The team mourns the deaths and offers its deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who tragically lost their lives,” the BCCI said in a statement.

Harshal Barot@harshalbarot21

Both teams & match officials are wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in the tragic train accident in Odisha last weekend. #WTCFinal2023 #INDvsAUS #INDvAUS #AUSvIND #AUSvsIND #OdishaTrainAccident #TheOval #TestCricket

03:03 PM · Jun 07, 2023

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India eyeing for ICC title after decade-long drought 

It is worth noting that team India have not attained glory in the ICC events across all formats since the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. The side last contested in a summit clash of an ICC event in the 2019-21 cycle of the World Test Championship, under the leadership of Virat Kohli.

However, with the loss endured against New Zealand in the previous WTC Final, the Indian side will be raring to obtain their first title after nearly a decade in the match against Australia. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma became the fifth Indian captain to lead the national side in an ICC final. 

Former skipper MS Dhoni holds the record for the most finals in an ICC event. The legendary skipper led India to three wins in four ICC finals. On the other hand, Pat Cummins’ Australia made their place in their maiden WTC Final and will also be gunning to add the coveted mace in their illustrious trophy cabinet. Following the conclusion of the crucial One-off Test, the Aussies will turn their attention to the five-match Test series against England for the Ashes.