Cricketers wear black armbands as a symbol of mourning and respect, usually after the death of a player, coach, official, or another person closely connected to the team or the wider cricket community. In some cases, they also use black armbands to mark solidarity after a tragedy such as an accident or disaster that has affected fans or people in a particular region.

General meaning

• Black armbands in cricket are a long‑standing way to show collective grief on the field without interrupting the match itself.

• Teams typically announce before play whose memory they are honouring, and the armbands are worn for that match or for a specific day of a Test.

Recent example

• In early December 2025, England and Australia players wore black armbands in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba to honour former England batter Robin Smith, who had died in Australia shortly before the match.

• Similar gestures have been seen this year for former players like Dilip Doshi and Wayne Larkins, and for victims of major accidents, showing that the precise reason can vary by match but always relates to remembrance and respect.