Zubair Ahmed, a cricketer from Pakistan, died after being hit on the head while batting in a club match played at Mardan District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province on Monday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board shared the news on twitter stating, “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”.
Zubair was part of Fakhar Zaman’s academy. Noted commentator and former Australian player Dean Jones expressed condolences via twitter. The incidence is a stark reminder of dangers facing cricketers despite the protective gears. The PCB tweet also indicates that Zubair, at the time of the incident, was not wearing a helmet.
On Tuesday, Australia vice-captain David Warner was also struck on the neck by a bouncer bowled by teammate Josh Hazelwood during an intra-squad practice match. However, Warner is recovering well after and is expected to be fit for the upcoming two-Test series in Bangladesh.
The left-hander dropped his bat and slumped to his knees after an attempted hook shot went awry at Marrara Oval in Darwin on Tuesday, but quickly picked himself up and walked off the ground unassisted.