BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: Players from both Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings, along with match officials, observed a one-minute silence and wore black armbands before commencing their IPL 2026 clash at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday, as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the devastating storm that struck Uttar Pradesh earlier this week.
A violent storm accompanied by rain and hail swept across the state, leaving a trail of destruction. At least 104 people were killed across a dozen districts, with Prayagraj among the worst affected.
The violent storms also damaged 87 homes, killed 114 livestock and uprooted trees, while strong winds hurled signboards and caused widespread damage. Television footage showed billboards crashing onto cars, roadside stalls flattened and walls collapsing in several districts.