Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj pays tribute to Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota after taking a wicket against England

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Siraj pays tribute to Jota
Liverpool star passed away in tragic car crash earlier in July
Cricketer created No. 20 gesture using his hands

After taking his first wicket of the innings, Indian fast bowler Siraj gestured the number 20 with his hands, paying a tribute to Liverpool star Jota who passed away in the early hours of July 3 in a fatal car accident. Siraj, a prominent cricketer, is currently playing for Indian cricket team in the third Test against England at Lord’s.

Jota’s death sent shockwaves not just into the footballing fraternity, but also to other sports such as tennis and cricket. Wimbledon, one of the four major Grand Slams in tennis, has relaxed on their usually strict dress code to allow players to wear black armbands in memory of Jota should they wish to. Portuguese tennis doubles player Francisco Cabral wore a black ribbon on his arm during his match last Friday, in one such instance. Furthermore, a number of footballers, such as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, have dedicated their celebrations to Jota after scoring goals.

Liverpool are set to retire or rather “immortalise” his jersey out of respect for Jota. “The No.20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions as part ofu0026nbsp;Liverpool’s 2024-25 title-winnersu0026nbsp;– the club’s 20th – with his trademark shimmy and strike in front of the Kop to seal victory in April’s Merseyside derby a poignant last goal of his life,” the Reds said in an official statement shortly after the 28-year-old’s death.

Liverpool will return to action this Sunday with a pre-season friendly at Deepdale, where an emotional tribute will be held in memory of brothers Diogo and Andre, according to the club.

“Ahead of the 3pm BST kick-off, there will be a rendition of LFC anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone and the home club will lay a wreath alongside the away supporters,” the Premier League champions announced in a statement on Friday.n

“A minute’s silence will be observed in Diogo and Andre’s memory and digital tributes will be displayed on the screen and across pitchside LEDs.n Both sets of players will wear black armbands.n

“Preston have also created a commemorative edition of the matchday programme that features written tributes to Diogo and Andre.”