An Indian origin British player has died after being struck on the chest by a ball while playing in a residential suburb in Surrey over the weekend, The Irish Independent reported.
Bavalan Pathmannathan, a Tamilian by birth, turned out for Manipay Parish Sports Club (UK) in division three of the British Tamil League on Sunday at Long Ditton recreation grounds, where he received the blow.
He was given CPR and treated by an ambulance as well as air ambulance doctors, but the 24 year old subsequently succumbed to injuries.
Surrey chief executive Richard Gould added: “Everyone at the club has been deeply saddened to learn of Bavalan’s death and would like to extend their sympathies to his family, friends and everyone who knew him from within the community of cricket.”
Pathmanathan played for the club’s blue team and had been representing Manipay Parish in division three of the British Tamil League.
In a statement, his club said simply: “Our club was totally shock by his death at this young age.”
Friends left tributes to the young batsman on the team page as news broke.
Janani Sivananthavadivel, Manipay Parish spokesperson added: “Sorry to hear this. May his soul rest in peace.”
Batsmen’s safety on the field of play has been a topic of conversation in recent months following the death of former Australia international Phillip Hughes, who was struck in the neck by a bouncer last November.
A statement from Manipay Parish SC on their Facebook page said: “Our cricketer Bavalan Pathmanathan is no longer with us. He was hit by the ball on his chest while batting. Our club was totally shocked by his death at this young age.”