Players and match officials wearing black armbands at the toss of the inaugural match between Vizag Simhadri Lions and Kakinada Kings in solidarity with the family members of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) blast on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
The fifth season of the Andhra Premier League (APL) commenced on a subdued note at the Dr ACA VDCA International Cricket Stadium in PM Palem on Tuesday. The organisers chose not to conduct the opening ceremony as a mark of respect for the victims of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) blast.The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) and the APL Governing Council decided not to go ahead with the cultural programmes, entertainment events and other celebratory activities, scheduled for the opening ceremony, as a mark of respect for the victims and in solidarity with their families.Players of both teams—Simhadri Vizag Lions and Kakinada Kings— took the field wearing black armbands. Match officials, and members of the Andhra Cricket Association and the APL Governing Council also wore black bands.Former Minister and Bheemunipatnam MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao attended the inaugural match as the chief guest and participated in the toss.After winning the toss, Simhadri Vizag Lions elected to field, with Kakinada Kings batting first in the opening fixture of the tournament. Published - June 09, 2026 11:48 pm IST
