Black Armbands, Heavy Hearts: India & Australia Pay Tribute to Teen Cricketer Ben Austin During Semifinal Clash

Image Source: DNA INDIA

During the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal in Navi Mumbai, Indian and Australian players wore black armbands to honor 17-year-old Australian cricketer Ben Austin, who tragically passed away after a training accident in Melbourne. The gesture united both teams in grief, adding emotional depth to the high-stakes match.

A Moment of Silence Amid Roars: DY Patil Stadium Witnesses Emotional Tribute to Ben Austin

In a poignant display of solidarity and remembrance, players from India and Australia wore black armbands during their Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on October 30. The gesture was a tribute to Ben Austin, a 17-year-old Australian cricketer who tragically lost his life during a training session earlier that week.

Key Highlights of the Tribute:

Who Was Ben Austin?

Austin was a promising young cricketer training at Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in Melbourne.

He was struck on the neck by a delivery from a wanger, a hand-held ball-throwing device, while practicing in the nets.

Details of the Incident

Despite wearing a helmet, Austin reportedly lacked a neck guard, which led to a fatal injury.

Emergency responders arrived around 5 PM, and he was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Unified Tribute on the Field

Both teams, along with match officials, donned black armbands as a mark of respect.

The tribute was observed during the toss and throughout the match, with players visibly moved by the loss.

Emotional Impact on the Game

Australian captain Alyssa Healy and Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged the moment during pre-match interactions.

The crowd at DY Patil Stadium joined in with a moment of silence, adding gravity to the otherwise electrifying atmosphere.

Community Response

Tributes poured in from across the cricketing world, with clubs, players, and fans expressing condolences.

The incident has reignited conversations around safety gear standards in youth cricket.

This heartfelt moment reminded everyone that cricket is more than competition—it’s a community bound by shared values, empathy, and respect. The black armbands worn in Navi Mumbai were not just symbols of mourning, but of unity across borders.

Sources: News18

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