Why are PBKS players wearing black armbands during their IPL 2026 clash against DC?

May 11, 2026: Punjab Kings players were seen wearing black armbands during their Indian Premier League 2026 clash against the Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Monday, May 11. PBKS were asked to bat first by DC as they looked to end their poor run after suffering three consecutive defeats this season.

The Shreyas Iyer-led side had spent a significant part of the season at the top of the points table but slipped to fourth place following the recent losses. Returning to their second home venue in Dharamsala for its first IPL 2026 game, PBKS aimed to make a strong comeback in front of the home crowd.

PBKS Pay Tribute to Andrew Leipus’ Mother

Punjab Kings players wore black armbands as a mark of respect following the passing of team physio Andrew Leipus’ mother, according to ESPNCricinfo. Leipus’ mother reportedly passed away on Sunday, and the franchise paid tribute ahead of the crucial encounter.

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel opted to bowl first after winning the toss and made five changes to the Playing XI that lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous match. Kuldeep Yadav was among the notable absentees, while Pathum Nissanka, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, and Vipraj Nigam also missed out despite featuring in the last game.

Although Nissanka, Rizvi, Ashutosh, and Vipraj were named in the Impact Players list, only one of them is expected to feature when DC begin their chase.

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, made just one change to their lineup. Australian all-rounder Ben Dwarshuis was handed his IPL debut after Lockie Ferguson was ruled out with a slight niggle.

“There are five changes. Abhishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, David Miller, Auqib Nabi, and Madhav Tiwari are playing,” Axar said at the toss.

PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer also spoke about the conditions and the lone change in the side.

“Honestly speaking, I’ve got no idea how the wicket has been playing so far in the IPL unless you play on it. Whatever comes, you’ve got to put your best foot forward and go ahead. Ben Dwarshuis comes in place of Lockie Ferguson, who has a slight niggle,” Shreyas said.