Pakistani batsman dies after being hit by bouncer

MARDAN: Pakistani cricketer, an opening batsman, Zubair Ahmed died after being hit by a bouncer during a game in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 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.

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

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.

WATCH: Warner hit by deadly bouncer

 

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.

Australian batsman Philip Hughes, who played 26 Tests, died from bleeding on the brain in November 2014 after being hit on the neck by a rising ball while batting in a domestic match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

At hospital, Hughes underwent scans and surgery but died two days later on November 27, 2014.

WATCH: The Philip Hughes tragedy