Wankhede Pays Tribute to Asha Bhosle Ahead of MI vs RCB IPL Clash
Players wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence, while the stadium echoed with her timeless songs during the Mumbai Indians–Royal Challengers Bengaluru match.
Mumbai–The iconic Wankhede Stadium turned solemn on Sunday as players and fans paid tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
A minute’s silence was observed across the stadium just before the start of play, with players from both sides standing in respect as umpires prepared to begin the match. The Mumbai Indians squad also wore black armbands in memory of the iconic singer, who passed away at the age of 92.
Throughout the game, the stadium’s sound system played some of Bhosle’s most beloved songs during breaks, creating an emotional atmosphere and reminding fans of her enduring connection with generations of Indians—including cricket lovers.
Asha Bhosle, along with her sister Lata Mangeshkar, was known to be an ardent supporter of Indian cricket, making the tribute especially poignant for the sporting community.
Members of the cricket fraternity also expressed their grief on social media. Gautam Gambhir remembered her “elegance and incomparable talent,” while Shikhar Dhawan said her voice “never got old.” Jhulan Goswami described her music as “emotion that touched generations,” and Anil Kumble called her legacy “a voice that will never fade.”
Bhosle had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital a day earlier. Her last rites are scheduled to be held at Shivaji Park.
As tributes poured in from across the country, the homage at Wankhede stood out—blending sport and sentiment to honour a voice that continues to resonate far beyond the world of music. (Source: IANS)
