Players Pay Tribute Before IPL Match Following Uttar Pradesh Storm Tragedy

Players from Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings, along with officials, honored the victims of a recent storm in Uttar Pradesh by observing a minute of silence and wearing black armbands before their IPL 2026 game at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium. The storm caused significant devastation across the state, resulting in 104 fatalities in multiple districts, with Prayagraj being severely impacted.
The storm not only claimed lives but also destroyed 87 homes, killed 114 livestock, uprooted trees, and caused extensive damage with strong winds toppling signboards and causing widespread destruction. Videos showed billboards falling on cars, stalls being flattened, and walls collapsing in various districts.
In the match, Lucknow Super Giants’ captain Rishabh Pant chose to field first against Chennai Super Kings on a red-soil pitch. CSK had to make changes due to all-rounder Jamie Overton’s season-ending thigh injury. Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson, returning from a back injury, made his CSK debut, while Gurjapneet Singh was named their Impact Player over Akeal Hosein.