Cricketers are wearing black armbands today as a mark of respect and mourning, which is a long‑standing sporting tradition.

On 4 December 2025, the most prominent instance is in the Ashes second Test at the Gabba, where Australia and England players are wearing black armbands to honour former England batter Robin Smith, who died earlier in the week. If you are watching a different match or league, black armbands will generally signal tribute to a recent death, tragedy, or significant loss connected to that team or country, and the specific reason is usually announced by the board or broadcaster before play.