In the third One Day International (ODI) between India and England at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on February 12, 2025, players from both teams donned green armbands to promote organ donation. This initiative, led by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), aims to raise awareness about the life-saving impact of organ donation.
Traditionally, athletes wear black armbands to honor individuals who have passed away. However, the green armbands in this match symbolized support for organ donation, highlighting its significance in saving lives. The BCCI’s campaign emphasizes that a single donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation.
At the pre-match toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and England’s Jos Buttler were accompanied by two organ recipients: Gunjan Umang Dani, a lung recipient, and Deepti Vimal Shah, a kidney recipient. Their presence underscored the profound impact of organ donation and served as a testament to the lives saved through such acts.
The BCCI’s organ donation drive has garnered support from various cricketing figures. India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has pledged his organs as part of the ‘Get a Life’ initiative. Players like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Shami have also expressed their support in a video shared by the BCCI.
The choice of green armbands in this high-profile match provided a platform to educate fans and encourage them to consider organ donation. By leveraging the popularity of cricket, the BCCI aims to inspire more individuals to become donors, potentially saving countless lives.
In the context of the match, England won the toss and elected to field. The game not only showcased competitive cricket but also highlighted a noble cause, reminding fans of the importance of organ donation.
The BCCI’s initiative reflects a commitment to social responsibility, using the influential platform of cricket to address critical health issues. By promoting organ donation, the cricketing community hopes to make a lasting impact beyond the boundaries of the sport.
