Imran Patel, 35-year-old cricketer, dies of cardiac arrest at Pune stadium

Imran Patel, a 35-year-old professional cricketer, died on Wednesday night after suffering a massive cardiac arrest during a league match at Pune's Garware Stadium. While walking back to the pavilion due to chest and arm pain, the opening batsman suddenly collapsed, shocking players and spectators alike.

In Short

• Cricketer Imran Patel dies of cardiac arrest during Pune match
• Patel collapsed after complaining of chest and arm pain
• Tributes pour in; condolence meeting planned for Patel

Imran Patel, a 35-year-old professional cricketer, died after suffering a fatal cardiac arrest during a local league match at the Pune Stadium on Wednesday night. Patel, an all-rounder, collapsed while walking back to the pavilion after complaining of chest and arm pain.

Patel, opening the batting for his team, had faced only a few overs when he signalled discomfort and informed the on-field umpires of pain in his left arm and chest. With their consent, he began to leave the field but collapsed unexpectedly just moments later. The incident, captured live as the match was being streamed, prompted immediate action from teammates and officials, who rushed him to a nearby private hospital. Sadly, he was pronounced dead on arrival, with doctors confirming a massive cardiac arrest as the cause.

The cricketing fraternity and the local community have been left in shock by Patel's sudden demise. Known for his exceptional fitness and active presence on the field, his demise has sparked conversations about the increasing incidents of cardiac-related deaths in sports. "He didn't have history of any medical condition," said Naseer Khan, another cricketer who was part of the match, was quoted as saying by the Times of India "He was in good physical condition. In fact, he was an allrounder who loved the game. We're all still in shock."

Imran is survived by his wife and three kids, including a four-month-old daughter. Besides managing a local cricket team, Patel owned a real estate business and a juice shop, making him a respected and loved figure in the area. This tragic incident comes just months after another cricketer, Habib Shaikh, passed away under similar circumstances during a match in Pune. While Shaikh had a known history of diabetes, Patel’s sudden cardiac arrest, despite his apparent good health, has left many baffled.

Tributes have poured in from teammates, fans, and prominent figures in the local cricketing community, all mourning the loss of a player and individual who embodied passion and commitment. A condolence meeting is being planned to honor Patel’s memory, with calls for increased awareness and preventive measures for athletes' health and safety.