British cricketer Bavalan Pathmanathan passes away after being hit by ball

Bavalan Pathmanathan, who passed away on Tuesday

In the latest tragedy to be acted out on a cricket field, 24-year-old Bavalan Pathmanathan passed away after battling complications after being hit by a cricket ball during a match in the third division of the British Tamil League. The match was being played in Surrey’s Long Ditton recreation grounds on Sunday.

Pathmanathan was a British cricketer of Sri Lankan origin playing for Manipay Parish Sports Club. It is reported that he collapsed on the ground after being hit on the chest by a delivery while batting, and had a subsequent heart failure. He was immediately given CPR and treated by ambulance as well as air ambulance doctors, but passed away after more than a day in intensive care in Kingston Hospital.

Pathmanathan was a former student of Hartley College in Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

Batsmen’s safety concerns at a high after Hughes incident: Surrey CCC

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.”

“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,” said Richard Gould, the Surrey CCC Chief Executive.

“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.”