BCCI plan 40-minute tribute for Zubeen Garg ahead of Women's Cricket World Cup

40-minute tribute planned by BCCI ahead of Women's Cricket World Cup kick-off. (AFP Image)

A unique 40-minute homage to Assamese cultural hero Zubeen Garg, who died in Singapore on Friday following a scuba diving accident, will be part of the Women's World Cup opening ceremony. He was 52.

In Singapore, the renowned vocalist was performing at the 2025 North East India Festival. According to festival organizers, he passed away at Singapore General Hospital following a yacht tragedy.

The cricket community has chosen to honor Garg at the World Cup curtain-raiser, according to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

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"There is a huge grief and tragic situation prevailing in Assam, following Zubeen's death. Keeping in consonance with that situation, and as a person who deserves some respect, the Assam Cricket Association and the BCCI will have a tribute programme during the opening ceremony. This will be our respect and tribute to Zubeen," PTI quoted Saikia as saying.

He went on to say that the purpose of the homage was to honor the artist's reputation and the respect he had earned over the years.

"It will be a 40-minute programme in memory of Zubeen and possibly the biggest tribute a cricketing fraternity can offer to him," Saikia stated.

After the tragedy, Garg's scheduled performance at the three-day North East India Festival was cancelled. Saikia went on to say that preparations will be finished for what is probably going to be one of the biggest sporting tributes to an Indian musician.

Additionally, singer Shreya Ghoshal will perform during the tournament opener's mid-innings break, celebrating cricket and music on a worldwide scale.

The World Cup is set to begin amidst a region in mourning, with the ODI tournament providing a platform to honor one of Assam’s most cherished voices.