NEW DELHI: Australia captain Steve Smith received the toss and opted to discipline first in opposition to Crew India of their ICC Champions Trophy semifinal on the Dubai Worldwide Stadium on Tuesday. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian staff took the sphere sporting black armbands in entrance of a packed crowd on the Dubai Worldwide Stadium. The gesture was in honor of Mumbai spinner Padmakar Shivalkar, who handed away on Monday on the age of 84 on account of age-related points.
Thought to be one of many most interesting spinners by no means to have represented India on the worldwide degree, Shivalkar performed 124 First-Class matches, amassing 589 wickets at a powerful common of 19.69. His profession spanned from the 1961-62 season to 1987-88.

The left-arm spinner made his Ranji Trophy debut on the age of twenty-two and continued taking part in till he was 48. He was a dominant pressure in India’s premier home competitors, securing 361 wickets, together with eleven 10-wicket hauls. Shivalkar additionally featured in 12 Listing A matches, the place he claimed 16 wickets.

In recognition of his contributions to Indian cricket, he was honored with the CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian cricket board in 2017.

“Mumbai cricket has misplaced a real legend in the present day. Padmakar Shivalkar Sir’s contribution to the sport, particularly as one of many most interesting spinners of all time, will at all times be remembered,” mentioned Mumbai Cricket Affiliation (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik.

“His dedication, ability, and impression on Mumbai cricket are unparalleled. His passing is an irreplaceable loss to the cricketing fraternity. Could his soul relaxation in peace,” he added.
The Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) additionally expressed its condolences on his passing.
“The Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) deeply mourns the unlucky demise of Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, who handed away on March 3, 2025. The legendary left-arm spinner was a stalwart of Indian home cricket, famend for his unparalleled ability and dedication to the sport,” BCCI mentioned in a press release launched on Tuesday.