Nidahas Trophy 2018: Why Bangladesh team are wearing black armbands in 5th T20I
The Bangladesh team, currently sitting at the bottom of the points table in the Nidahas Trophy 2018, were seen wearing black armbands during their second game against India in the tournament, the 5th match of the tri-series overall.
The gesture showed by the Bangladesh side is 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".
Out of the 71 passengers onboard, 49 were killed, with the initial police investigation hinting at confusion between the plane and the Air Traffic Control over the landing of the aircraft. Before it hit the tarmac, the aeroplane reportedly became unsteady and burst into flames as soon as it struck the surface.
The Indian team, currently at the top of the table, are locking horns with the Bangladesh side at the R Premadasa stadium for the 5th game of the series. Although the side lost to India in their opening game, they found a new lease of life in the tournament by hunting down a massive 214-run target against the Lankans.