The cricketing fraternity and the community is mourning the sudden death of a Kiwi-Indian cricketer who died amid-match in Dunedin on Saturday, February 2.
33-year-old Hareesh Gangadharan suffered a medical incident on the field around 4 p.m. at Sunnyvale Sports Centre, Main South Road, Green Island. St John Ambulance and police attended the incident.
It is understood that Hareesh was walking away after completing an over when he suddenly collapsed.
Some members of the team had medical backgrounds and a defibrillator kept in the clubhouse was used, but Hareesh could not be revived.
Hareesh was a member of the Green Island Cricket Club's Second Grade team and has played for the club for five or six seasons.
Hareesh is married and has a young child. He hailed from the Indian city of Kochi in the state of Kerala, came to New Zealand six years ago and worked at the publishing company Allied Press in Dunedin.
The club will be required to complete an incident report but New Zealand Cricket's manager of public affairs Richard Boock said there was no indication it was a sports mishap, NZ Herald reported.
"Early indications are that the player has had a heart attack. It is tragic. Everyone is shattered, both at the club and Otago Cricket. Our hearts go out to his family,” Mr Brooke said.
Green Island is a five-time National Club Champion and currently Dunedin champion. The club was established in 1930, and its website describes it as having a warm, family vibe.
Dunedin Cricket earlier this morning conveyed the tragic news of the death of its player in an emotional message on its Facebook page.
“For those unaware of the sad news from Sunnyvale yesterday afternoon, our collective heartfelt sympathy goes to the family and friends of Green Island Second Grade member who died as a result of a medical event at the ground. Our thoughts are with all those involved with the match,” Dunedin Cricket’s post read.
Green Island Cricket Club’s Facebook page (Green Island Swamprats) too posted an emotional message expressing the shock losing their bright team member.
“I am heartbroken to confirm the news of the very sudden death of our Green Island Cricket Club member while playing yesterday at Sunnyvale. Hareesh Gangadharan suffered a medical event and despite all efforts by teammates, the public and emergency services he could not be saved.
“On behalf of the Green Island Cricket Club, we offer our sincere condolences to his wife and family, President of Green Island Cricket Club John Moyle said in the post.
“We have enlisted the services of Victim Support for Hareesh’s team and the Albion men who were playing at the time. If anyone requires any further support, please do not hesitate to contact me and I can arrange such services.
“Thank you to everyone at the ground yesterday. During such devastation I was reminded of what a superb club and community we belong to,” the message read.
