T20 World Cup 2021: Reason why England and New Zealand players are wearing black armbands

England and New Zealand locked horns in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2021 in Abu Dhabi on November 10 (Wednesday). Both teams played some brilliant cricket in Super 12 stage and thoroughly deserved to be in the knockouts of the tournament. Even as the New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to bowl first, the fans were left curious to know the reasons for both teams wearing black armbands.

When the players came out for national anthem, they wore black armbands and it was to pay their respect towards Abu Dhabi stadium’s head pitch curator Mohan Singh. He passed away ahead of the game between New Zealand and Afghanistan on November 7. The game had gone ahead then with the consent of Mohan’s family and the rest of the ground staff. The cause of the death is still unknown as police investigation is underway.

England and New Zealand players also observed a minute’s silence along with the members of the stadium and the fans at the venue before the first ball was bowled in the game.

Abu Dhabi Cricket had released an official statement

Both ICC and Abu Dhabi Cricket had released official statements soon after the game clarifying the reason for the game going ahead and also paying tribute to long service of Mohan Singh as pitch curator.

“It is with great sadness that Abu Dhabi Cricket announces that Head Curator, Mohan Singh, has passed away today. Mohan has been with Abu Dhabi Cricket for 15 years and has played a pivotal role in all of the venue’s success during that time. Sunday’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 12 game between New Zealand and Afghanistan went ahead as scheduled, with the support of Mohan’s family and our groundstaff.

“Tributes to Mohan and his incredible achievements will be honoured in the coming days. Our thoughts are with Mohan’s family and we ask for media to respect their privacy at this tragic time,” Abu Dhabi Cricket’s statement read on Twitter.