Australia captain Steve Smith won the toss and chose to field first against India in their ICC Champions Trophy semifinal at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, took the field wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for Mumbai cricket stalwart Padmakar Shivalkar, who passed away on Monday at the age of 84 due to age-related ailments.
Shivalkar, one of the finest spinners never to have played international cricket, was a dominant force in domestic cricket. Over a career spanning nearly three decades, he played 124 First-Class matches and claimed 589 wickets at an exceptional average of 19.69. A legend in Mumbai cricket, he was a key figure in the Ranji Trophy, picking up 361 wickets, including an astonishing eleven 10-wicket match hauls.
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The left-arm spinner made his Ranji Trophy debut at 22 and continued playing until he was 48, an extraordinary feat that reflected his passion and endurance. In addition to his First-Class exploits, he also played 12 List A matches, taking 16 wickets. His ability to extract sharp turn and maintain impeccable accuracy made him one of the most feared bowlers in domestic cricket history.
In honour of the late Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, Team India is wearing black armbands today.
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 4, 2025
In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian cricket, the BCCI honoured Shivalkar with the prestigious CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
“Mumbai cricket has lost a true legend today. Padmakar Shivalkar Sir’s impact on the game, particularly as one of the greatest left-arm spinners, will always be cherished,” said Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik.
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The BCCI also expressed its condolences, releasing an official statement: “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) deeply mourns the passing of Shri Padmakar Shivalkar. A stalwart of Indian domestic cricket, his skill and dedication to the game will always be remembered.”
