Mohammed Siraj Tribute to Diogo Jota Lights Up Test

Mohammed Siraj tribute took centre stage at Lord’s when the Indian quick removed England opener Zak Crawley and immediately formed a ‘20’ with his fingers, honouring late Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who wore the same squad number for the Reds.

Why Siraj Chose Diogo Jota

The Hyderabad-born pacer is an avid Liverpool supporter and has often spoken about drawing inspiration from Anfield’s atmosphere. News of Jota’s fatal car accident earlier in July shocked football fans worldwide, and Siraj vowed to mark his next wicket with a signal of respect. The gesture, captured by television cameras and quickly shared across social media, resonated well beyond cricket circles.

Reaction from Fans and Players

Liverpool’s official account reposted the clip with a simple “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” while Indian teammates applauded the heartfelt salute. England batter Joe Root, standing at the non-striker’s end, acknowledged the moment with a nod, showing how sport can transcend rivalries. Portuguese media outlets also highlighted Siraj’s homage, underlining the global reach of both cricket and football fandom.

Cross-Sport Tributes Are Growing

From footballers celebrating wickets in the IPL to cricketers revealing Premier League shirts under their jerseys, cross-sport admiration is becoming a refreshing norm. Siraj’s tribute joins a growing list of moments where athletes blur the lines between their passions, reminding supporters that, at its core, sport is about shared emotion.

Opinion: A Gesture Worth Remembering

Such spontaneous acts foster unity across disciplines and continents. Siraj’s respectful nod to Jota not only immortalised a fallen star on a cricket field but also illustrated how a simple hand sign can echo louder than any chant.