A friendly cricket match in Sri Lanka ended in horrific tragedy after a player collapsed on the field and passed away during a game organised by an old boys’ association in Beruwala on Sunday.
The deceased, identified as Zulfikar through the live scorecard of the match, was aged between 45 and 46 years according to local reports. He was taking part in a cricket carnival involving former students of a prominent Muslim school in the China Fort area of Beruwala when the incident occurred.
Eyewitnesses stated that Zulfikar suddenly collapsed at the crease while batting. The match was being live-streamed at the time, and footage showed him batting on six runs from three deliveries before the shocking incident unfolded. The score stood at 37/5 in 3.4 overs when play came to an abrupt halt.
Those present immediately rushed to assist the player before arranging for him to be transported to the Beruwala Regional Hospital. However, hospital sources indicated that he was already dead upon arrival.
Tournament suspended as police launch investigation
The news hit hard. Players, organisers and fans were left stunned. The rest of the tournament was called off indefinitely as the local cricket community tried to make sense of the loss.
Early indications suggest Zulfikar may have had a heart attack, though officials are yet to confirm that. Beruwala Police have launched an inquiry and are waiting on medical results before saying anything formally. Back home in Beruwala, tributes are pouring in. People are sharing memories online of a player who showed up just to enjoy a game with old friends but never went home.
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