Nidahas Trophy 2018: Why Bangladesh players wore black armbands in T20I against India

Bangladesh team lost the 5th T20I of the Nidahas Trophy 2018 against India by 17 runs on Wednesday. 

During the match, the Bangladesh players were seen wearing black armbands. The gesture by the Bangladesh side was a mark of respect for the 49 passengers who died when a US-Bangla flight crashed at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal on Monday.

Speaking a day ahead of the game, Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah had said on Tuesday:

“When we got the news of the unfortunate plane crash yesterday, we were deeply distressed by it. About 30-40 Bangladeshis were on board, it is very disturbing. There could be someone’s close relatives who would have been on that flight. Some I might have known, it’s very sad. Our prayers are with them and hope the families gather enough strength to battle through these stressful times.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed in a tweet that the gesture is a mark of respect for the deceased, with a message that said:

"The Bangladesh National Team, currently in Colombo, Sri Lanka for the Nidahas Trophy Tri-nation T20 tournament, will wear black armbands as a mark of respect to the victims of the crash during Wednesday’s match against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium".

The Bangladesh National Team, currently in Colombo, Sri Lanka for the Nidahas Trophy Tri-nation T20 tournament, will wear black armbands as a mark of respect to the victims of the crash during Wednesday’s match against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium. pic.twitter.com/iwb4U9QS7I

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 13, 2018

Out of the 71 passengers onboard, 49 were killed. Before it hit the tarmac, the aeroplane reportedly became unsteady and burst into flames as soon as it struck the surface. Initial police investigation has hinted at confusion between the plane and the Air Traffic Control over the landing of the aircraft.