British Tamil cricketer dies after being hit by ball

Facebook/Bavalan Pathmanathan

A 24-year-old member of the British Tamils Cricket League died from heart failure on Sunday after being hit by a ball in the chest. The accident took place at Long Ditton recreation grounds during a Division 3 match.

Bavalan Pathmanathan was treated at the scene by paramedics, but later died of his injuries after being transferred by air ambulance to Kingston hospital.

Describing the incident, his batting partner said Bavalan collapsed within minutes of being hit by the ball.

“When he received the hit I asked from the other end if he is alright. He gave a thumb-up and nodded to indicate he was alright, while pressing his chest. He took a couple of steps behind the stumps and collapsed,” Jeeva Rukshan told the Colombo Mirror.

Writing on its Facebook page, Pathmanathan’s team posted: “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.”

Facebook/British Tamils Cricket League

The British Tamils Cricket League posted pictures on its Facebook page of a memorial for Bavalan held on the pitch.

Surrey County Cricket Club 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.”

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.