Revealed: Why are Indian and Australian players wearing black armbands in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025?

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :October 30, 2025 at 5:05 PM

Modified at :October 30, 2025 at 5:05 PM

India, Australia, IND vs AUS, Indian Women's Cricket Team

(Courtesy : BCCI)

Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai is hosting the semi-final game of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 between India and Australia.

The second semi-final of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 between India Women and Australia Women got underway on Thursday, October 30. The winner of the encounter will clash with South Africa Women in the final, who crushed England Women in the first semi-final on Wednesday (October 29) to become the first finalists of the tournament.

Australia captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and opted to bat first in the clash, which is underway at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. During the toss, Healy revealed that they have made one change to the playing XI, replacing Georgia Wareham with Sophie Molineux.

On the other hand, India Women captain Harmanpreet Kaur informed that Shafali Varma, Richa Ghosh, and Kranti Gaud were added to the playing XI. Pratika Rawal was unavailable due to injury, while Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry were rested in the encounter.

Notably, Indian and Australian players were seen wearing black armbands as they arrived on the field for the national anthem. The black arm bands caught the attention of many fans and viewers, as they were eager to know the reason behind the gesture.

India and Australia players are wearing black armbands to pay tribute to Ben Austin

Harmanpreet Kaur, Alyssa Healy, India, Australia, IND vs AUS (Image Source: BCCI)

The reason behind that has been revealed. Players of both teams are wearing black armbands to pay tribute to the late Ben Austin, a 17-year-old boy from Australia who died on Thursday in Melbourne after being hit by a cricket ball during a training session. The gesture was a mark of respect for a young Australian cricketer, whose death has shocked the entire cricket fraternity.

Earlier this week, teenager Austin was hit on his neck by the wanger- a device to throw the ball before the game. Although he was wearing a helmet, he was not wearing a stem guard. A few days after the incident, he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.

Why India and Australia players are wearing black arm bands during the semi-final clash of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025?

India Women and Australia Women players are wearing black armbands to pay tribute to Ben Austin, an Australian youngster who died after being hit by a ball during a practice session in Melbourne.

What is the venue of AUS vs IND, semi-final 2 of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025?

The venue of AUS vs IND, semi-final 2 of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.

Who won the toss in AUS vs IND, semi-final 2 of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025?

Australia captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and opted to bat first in the encounter.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.