During the IPL match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, players wore black armbands to honor the 96 victims of severe storms that recently struck Uttar Pradesh, India. These storms, characterized by dust, heavy rain, and lightning, caused extensive damage across multiple districts, injuring over 50 individuals. The storms led to fatalities primarily due to uprooted trees, collapsing structures, and lightning strikes. In response, emergency teams were deployed to clear roads and railway tracks of debris. Administrative official Narendra N. Srivastava indicated that homes, crops, and power infrastructure in rural areas suffered significant damage. Witnesses described the sudden onset of the storm, with dark skies and flying debris prompting residents to seek shelter. The match commenced with a minute's silence observed in memory of the victims, underscoring the tragic backdrop of the sporting event.