LAHORE – A young Pakistan batsman has died after he was struck by a bouncer during a club match in Mardan.
Zubair Ahmed, a teenager, was playing the match on August 14 – Pakistan’s Independence Day. It is yet unclear whether the player was wearing a safety helmet.
The news was shared by Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) official Twitter account: “Tragic death of Zubair Ahmed is another reminder that safety gear i.e. helmet must be worn at all times. Our sympathies with Zubair’s family.”
Tragic death of Zubair Ahmed is another reminder that safety gear i.e. helmet must be worn at all times. Our sympathies with Zubair’s family pic.twitter.com/ZNmWDYaT5w
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) August 16, 2017
Former Australia cricket Dean Jones also expressed condolences in his message and said: “It’s so sad to hear. Young Cricketer Zubair died in Mardan after Cricket ball hit on head during Cricket match. Condolences to his family.”
Its so sad to hear.. Young Cricketer Zubair died in Mardan after Cricket ball hit on head during Cricket match. Condolences to his family?
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) August 16, 2017
In November 2014, Australia’s left-hand test batsman Phillip Hughes also lost his life to a bouncer when he was hit in the neck during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Last year, Australia’s cricket board made it compulsory for players to wear helmets when facing fast and medium-paced bowling in line with recommendations from a review into Phillip’s death.
Wicketkeepers and players fielding close to the wicket are also bound to wear helmets in first class matches in accordance with the David Curtain review, which was released in May 2016.
The helmets, mandatory in games and during practice, must adhere to the highest British standard, Cricket Australia (CA) said.
