Mumbai Indians Pay Tribute to Asha Bhosle with Black Armbands in IPL 2026
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Mumbai, April 12 (NationPress) The five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, will don black armbands in their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium. This gesture is to honor the legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle, who sadly passed away on Sunday at the age of 92.
Asha Bhosle, a monumental figure in the Indian music scene, enchanted audiences with her unforgettable Hindi songs over an impressive eight-decade career. She took her last breath at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.
A source close to the team informed IANS, "Players from Mumbai Indians will wear black armbands during tonight's IPL match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Wankhede Stadium as a tribute to the esteemed singer Asha Bhosle."
The announcement of Asha's passing was made by Ashish Shelar, the Culture Minister of Maharashtra and former BCCI Treasurer, outside the hospital. He mentioned that her final rites will occur at Shivaji Park at 4 PM on Monday.
Asha was the younger sister of the legendary Lata Mangeshkar. Throughout her illustrious career, she received two Grammy nominations and was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award—the highest accolade in Indian cinema—along with India’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who shared a close bond with Asha Bhosle, expressed his sorrow through social media, stating that he will always remember her through her emotionally charged songs.
"Today marks a profoundly sad day for India and music aficionados worldwide. For us, Asha Tai was family. Words seem inadequate for the loss we experience. One moment, the heart falls silent, and the next, it drifts through the myriad of melodies she gifted us all.
"It feels like time itself has come to a standstill. Yet, through her everlasting songs, she will be eternally ageless. Thank you, Tai, for enriching our lives with warmth, elegance, and timeless music. We will miss you beyond measure, Asha Tai," wrote Tendulkar on ‘X’.
Similarly, Virat Kohli, who will be representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the upcoming match against MI, shared on Instagram stories, "Rest in peace, Asha Bhosle Ji. Your voice reached millions and will forever resonate in our hearts. Om Shanti."