‘Terrible news for cricket community’: Former Ranji player dies of heart attack while playing in local match

NEW DELHI: Former Karnataka Ranji SL cricketer Akshay died on Sunday after reportedly suffering a heart attack while playing a local division cricket match in Bengaluru. The 39-year-old, who hailed from Shivamogga, previously represented Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy and also featured in the Karnataka Premier League, now called the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20. According to reports, Akshay was playing a third division match at the ground in KR Puram. During the afternoon field, he suddenly complained of chest pain. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.Akshay’s death shocked the Karnataka cricket fraternity and many former players and officials expressed grief. Former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh shared an emotional message on X. “Terrible terrible news for the cricket community. SL Akshay, 39, a fast bowler whom I saw at close quarters from his U19 days, died today while playing a divisional match,” he wrote. “I just have no words to express my grief. The quiet guy who played for Karnataka in 2011/12 with decent success is no more. RIP Akshay.”The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also paid tribute to Akshay and recalled his role in developing young talent after his playing career. In a statement, the KSCA said, “Akshay represented Karnataka with distinction at the first-class level and after his playing career continued to serve the game with unwavering passion and dedication. As a coach at the junior level, he played a key role in nurturing and mentoring young cricketers and left a lasting impact on the development of cricketing talent in the state.”