India postpone training session due to lunar eclipse ahead of T20 World Cup semi-final

MUMBAI (Dunya News) - The Indian cricket team has postponed its training session due to a lunar eclipse as part of preparations for the semi-final against England in the ICC T20 World Cup.

According to Indian media reports, the team management had initially planned to begin practice at 6:00 pm in line with the traditional schedule.

An official statement issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had also confirmed that the team would train from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Wankhede Stadium.

However, it was later learned that the lunar eclipse would begin at 3:20 pm and continue until 6:47 pm.

Under Hindu religious traditions, important activities are avoided during an eclipse.

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Indian media reported that after consultation between the team management and players, it was decided that a positive start was essential ahead of a crucial match like the semi-final.

Therefore, the practice session was postponed by approximately one hour.

A source confirmed that it was deemed better to avoid any activity during the eclipse, and the training session would now commence after 6:40 pm.

Reports further stated that the Indian team has been making special arrangements for religious rituals and prayers during the tournament, with players visiting temples in various cities before matches.

It is worth noting that India qualified for the semi-final after defeating the West Indies in the final Super Eight match.

They are set to face England in the semi-final on Thursday, while the first semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa will be played today.