Lankan club cricketer dies after being hit by ball

A batsman playing in the British Tamil League has died after being struck in the chest, it was announced Wednesday.

Bavalan Pathmanathan, 24, was appearing for Manipay Parish Sports Club (UK) in division three of the British Tamil League on Sunday at Long Ditton in Surrey, south-west of London, when he received the fatal blow.

A statement from Manipay Parish SC on their Facebook page said: “Our cricketer Bavalan Pathmanathan is no longer with us. He was hit by the ball on his chest while batting. Our club was totally shocked by his death at this young age.”

According to the British Tamil Cricket League's website, Pathmanabhan was a former student of Hartley College in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The league extended its "deepest condolences to Bavalan’s family and friends".

Despite attempts at resuscitation and receiving treatment from air ambulance doctors and crew, Pathmanathan later died from his injuries.

Surrey chief executive Richard Gould said: "Everyone at the club has been deeply saddened to learn of Bavalan's death and would like to extend their sympathies to his family, friends and everyone who knew him from within the community of cricket."

The issue of player safety has been much discussed within cricket following the passing of former Australia batsman Phillip Hughes, who died after being struck in the neck by a bouncer in November.