Eden Gardens Falls Silent As CAB Pays Emotional Tribute To Pahalgam Victims Before KKR Vs PBKS

A rare and emotional scene took place at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens Stadium, as cricket took a backseat to remember the innocent victims whose lives were lost at the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. Ahead of the KKR Vs PBKS match at the Eden Gardens Stadium, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) skipped the customary ringing of the Eden Bell. Players wore black armbands and paid a silent tribute to the fallen victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. 

Players stand united in grief, remembering the Pahalgam victims

Kolkata’s Eden Gardens Stadium witnessed a rare occasion. On April 26, 2025, ahead of the IPL 2025 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), the iconic Eden Bell did not ring. It has been a longstanding tradition in Eden Garden to begin a match with the ringing of the Eden Bell, signifying the heritage of this historic venue. However, this time, the CAB deliberately skipped the custom as a symbol of respect. Instead, the whole stadium went silent for a minute as players, officials, and thousands of fans paid tribute to the 26 innocent lives that were lost at the Pahalgam attack.

All players from KKR and PBKS wore black armbands during the match, creating a silent yet profound statement of solidarity with the victims and their families. Some of the spectators were also seen standing with folded hands. The massive screens of Eden Gardens displayed tribute messages, one of which read:

“Let’s all stand for peace and humanity.”

CAB officials pay tribute to Pahalgam victims

CAB officials and special guests led the tribute before the match, including CAB President Snehasish Ganguly, Secretary Naresh Ojha, Treasurer Prabir Chakrabarty, Vice President Amalendu Biswas, and Joint Secretary Debabrata Das. Former Australian cricketer and Punjab Kings' assistant coach, Brad Haddin also stood in solidarity. Speaking about the tribute, Snehashish Ganguly, the president of CAB, gave a statement that resonated across the stadium, adding weight to an already emotionally-charged atmosphere. He said:

“Eden Gardens has always stood with the nation. Today, cricket takes a back seat. We are here to express our grief and salute the martyrs and victims of the Pahalgam attack.”

About the Pahalgam tragedy

This deeply moving tribute came in the wake of the horrifying terror attack that happened in Baisaran Valley in Kashmir’s Pahalgam. On April 22, 2025, a group of terrorists, allegedly from the Lashkar-e-Taiba, opened fire at tourists after asking their religion, claiming the lives of 26 innocent people, most of whom were Hindu. 

The brutal Pahalgam terror attack has left the entire nation devastated, as families seeking peace met a tragic end in Kashmir’s serene valley, often called "heaven on earth." In response, the Indian government announced a five-point action plan, including closing the Attari-Wagah border, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani military advisors, and intensifying security across Jammu and Kashmir.

The profound silence, the unrung Eden Bell, and players wearing black armbands created a powerful tribute at Eden Gardens during IPL 2025. What are your thoughts on the CAB’s heartfelt homage to the victims?

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