The Punjab Kings (PBKS) players were seen wearing black armbands during their IPL 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. This solemn gesture was a mark of respect for the sudden and untimely passing of former Punjab cricketer and senior selector Amanpreet Singh Gill, who died earlier the same day at the age of 36. As captain Shreyas Iyer led the team onto the field after winning the toss, the visual of the mourning bands served as a poignant reminder of Gill’s deep-rooted connection with the franchise and the Punjab cricketing fraternity.
Who Was Amanpreet Singh Gill? A Look At The Late Punjab Cricketer’s Career
Amanpreet Singh Gill was a talented right-arm medium-fast bowler born on September 16, 1989, in Chandigarh. A mainstay in the Punjab domestic circuit during the mid 2000s, Gill was known for his ability to swing the ball and provide crucial breakthroughs. He played six first-class matches for the Punjab Ranji team between 2006 and 2009, making his mark as a disciplined pacer.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Gill transitioned into administrative and talent scouting roles, eventually serving as a respected member of the Punjab Senior Selection Committee, where he played a pivotal role in identifying the next generation of cricketing talent from the state.
From India U-19s To Kings XI Punjab: Amanpreet Singh Gill’s Contribution To The Game
Gill’s talent was recognised early when he represented the India Under-19 team, playing alongside future superstars like Virat Kohli and Manish Pandey. One of the highlights of his youth career was his performance in the 2007 Under-19 tri series in Sri Lanka, where he claimed nine wickets in just five matches, including a match-winning 2-14 against Bangladesh in the final. In 2009, he secured an IPL contract with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and remained part of the squad through the 2010 season. During his stint, he shared the dressing room with legends like Yuvraj Singh, Brett Lee, and Mahela Jayawardene, contributing to the early culture of the franchise.
