Bengaluru: Former first-class cricketer SL Akshay died after suffering a heart attack on the field while playing a Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) third-division match in Bengaluru on Sunday.
The 39-year-old Akshay, who played 6 Ranji Trophy matches and 3 List A games for Karnataka between 2010 and 2013, was appearing for Sapphire CC against Bharat CC when he complained of chest pain. He had bowled four overs before feeling uncomfortable.
Akshay was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The sudden death of Akshay, who played with the likes of KL Rahul, Robin Uthappa and Manish Pandey for Karnataka, shocked the cricketing fraternity with several former players and officials expressing their grief through social media.
Former India pacer Dodda Ganesh recalled his association with Akshay, a fast bowler who was a handy batsman.
“Terrible terrible news for the cricket community. SL Akshay, 39, a fast bowler, whom I saw from close quarters from his U19 days has passed away today while playing a division match,” Ganesh wrote on X.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) praised Akshay, who hailed from Shivamogga, for his role in developing and mentoring young talent.
“Akshay represented Karnataka with distinction at the first-class level and, even beyond his playing career, continued to serve the game with unwavering passion and dedication. As a junior-level coach, he played a pivotal role in nurturing and mentoring young cricketers, leaving an enduring impact on the development of cricketing talent in the State,” the KSCA said.
“We lost a good friend, firstly, and also a very committed coach. He was a committed player too, had the fire in the belly always and wanted to impart the same to the kids. I’m still in a state of shock. Gone too soon,” Akshay’s former teammate and friend KB Pawan said.
