India vs South Africa: Here's why Indian and South African players observed silence before start of play

The South Africa and India players observed a moment's silence before the 1st Test in honour of anti-apartheid icon Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Source: Twitter

The South African and Indian teams observed a moment's silence ahead of the opening Test in honour of anti-apartheid icon Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who died on Sunday (December 26).

The South African players also entered the ground wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.

"The Proteas cricket team and South Africa as a nation, mourn world-renowned statesman, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu who passed away this morning. The teams had a moment of silence ahead of the start of the first Betway Test match against India. The Proteas are wearing black armbands in honour of Mr Tutu," the Indian team's media wing said.

Anti-apartheid icon Archbishop Desmond Tutu has passed away: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

Rest in Peace#DesmondTutu
RIP Sir #Africa #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/jVdWKc8VhM — Breaking (@Bre_aking_News) December 26, 2021

Tutu, South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist for racial justice and LGBT rights and retired Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, died at the age of 90.

Tutu had been hospitalised several times since 2015, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1997.