An Australian opener, Usman Khawaja, stepped out wearing a black armband, a silent yet powerful tribute to Prince and his late wife. In an exclusive message to this reporter, Prince shared his heartfelt emotions about this gesture.

“The loss of my wife has been the most challenging period of my life,” Prince said. “Seeing my friend Usman Khawaja wear a black armband today in her memory was incredibly moving. It reminded me of the deep bonds we share in this sport, transcending competition and rivalries.”

Prince also mentioned that Khawaja sought his permission before wearing the black armband. “Usman reached out to me for permission, and it touched me deeply that he wanted to honor my wife in this way,” Prince added.

As the first day’s play unfolded, Khawaja’s black armband became a symbol of unity, respect, and shared humanity within the cricketing world. Prince expressed his gratitude to the cricket fraternity. “Cricket has always been a source of strength for me. Today, it offered me a different kind of strength—the support and empathy of my fellow players. I am truly grateful for this tribute.”

“In these moments of grief, such gestures offer immense comfort,” Prince concluded. “It’s a beautiful reminder that, through cricket, we are never alone. Our shared experiences and mutual respect bind us together, making us stronger.”