Why Are Australian Players Wearing Black Armbands During World Cup 2023 Match Against Netherlands?

AUS vs NED, World Cup 2023: Australian players are wearing black armband as an act of respect and support for Australian cricketer Fawad Ahmed and his family.

Australian players were spotted wearing black armbands during their World Cup 2023 fixture against Netherlands.

Source : Getty Images

In Match 24 of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, Australia are facing off against the Netherlands at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 25 (Wednesda). Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bat first on what has been a great surface to bat in this tournament in Delhi. However, Australian players were seen wearing a black band on their arms.

The gesture of the Australian players of wearing black armbands is an act of respect and support for Australian cricketer Fawad Ahmed and his family. Recently, Fawad Ahmed lost his four-month-old baby boy. Earlier this year, he welcomed his second child in June, but the newborn faced significant health challenges and was admitted to a children's hospital in Melbourne, where he sadly passed away.

Fawad Donned The Australian Colours For First Time In 2013

The entire team are wearing black armbands to express their condolences and solidarity with Fawad's family during this difficult time. Fawad, a cousin of Pakistani leg-spinner Yasir Shah, initially played first-class cricket in Pakistan before immigrating to Australia. Having made his international debut for Australia in 2013, he has an impressive record in the Big Bash League (BBL) and has represented Australia in three ODIs and a couple of T20Is. Fawad shared the heartbreaking news on his social media profiles.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Fawad wrote, "Till we meet again my little angel. Unfortunately after a long struggle my little man has lost the painful & tough fight, I believe you are in a better place,we will miss you so much, I hope no one ever goes through this pain."

انااللہ وانا الیہ راجعو ن
Till we meet again my little angel 💔,
Unfortunately after a long struggle my little man has lost the painful & tough fight, I believe you are in a better place,we will miss you so much💔,
I hope no one ever goes through this pain,
Request for Prayers 🤲🏽 pic.twitter.com/cpAn29Wvnf

— Fawad Ahmed (@bachaji23) October 23, 2023

Coming to the ongoing match, despite losing Mitchell Marsh early in the innings, David Warner continued his excellent form on the other end, reaching his half-century off just 40 balls with a boundary against Vikramjit Singh. Warner received valuable support from Steve Smith, who also achieved his first fifty of the tournament, taking 53 balls to reach the milestone. Warner went on to complete his 22nd ODI hundred as Australia look set to post a formidable first innings total.