During Tuesday’s Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal match against Australia in Dubai, the Indian cricket team’s players were spotted sporting black armbands. The armbands were worn in memory of Padmakar Shivalkar, who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 84. Shivalkar was a well-known figure on the Indian domestic scene and was instrumental in Bombay’s victory in the Ranji Trophy. From 1965–1966 to 1976–1977, he was a member of the Bombay team that won nine Ranji Trophy titles. Following Shivalkar’s passing, many previous cricket players sent their respects, and the BCCI also chose to honor him by adding black armbands to the players’ jerseys.

Padmar Shivalkar, a Mumbai cricket mainstay and past Ranji Trophy winner, died on Monday of age-related causes, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed its profound sadness over his passing. Shivalkar had a remarkable career that lasted more than 20 years, and his name is inscribed in the annals of the Ranji Trophy. He took an incredible 589 wickets at a phenomenal average of 19.69 in 124 first-class matches.

“The sad loss of Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, who died on March 3, 2025, is sincerely felt by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI stated in a statement on Tuesday that the famed left-arm spinner was a mainstay of Indian domestic cricket, known for his unmatched talent and commitment to the sport.

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He was a terror for opposing hitters because of his ability to produce fast turn and perfect precision. With figures of 8/16 and 5/18, he single-handedly destroyed Tamil Nadu in the 1972–73 Ranji Trophy final, leading Mumbai to yet another victory. It was his most memorable effort.

“Indian cricket has lost a true legend today,” said BCCI President Roger Binny in his eulogy of the late spinner. Padmakar Shivalkar was a highly regarded figure in domestic cricket due to his proficiency with left-arm spin and his profound knowledge of the sport. We will never forget his remarkable career and unselfish service to Mumbai and Indian cricket. “Shivalkar, Si,r was an inspiration to generations of cricketers,” Secretary Devajit Saikia continued. He was incredibly skilled, consistent, and long-lasting at the game. He may not have represented India, but there is no denying his influence on Indian cricket, particularly in Mumbai.

Shivalkar’s golden age overlapped with that of the great Bishan Singh Bedi, therefore, despite his genius, he was never given the chance to play for India internationally. His services to Indian cricket were acknowledged, nevertheless. In acknowledgment of his enormous influence on domestic cricket, he received the esteemed Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

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