Cricket is one of the most beloved sports globally, captivating millions with its excitement and competitive spirit. However, behind the thrilling matches and roaring crowds lies a more tragic side of the game. Over the years, the sport has witnessed several severe and heartbreaking on-field injuries. In earlier days, the lack of protective gear—especially helmets—left batters vulnerable to serious harm from fast bowlers. Legends like Shoaib Akhtar and Dennis Lillee were feared for their raw pace, often delivering terrifying deliveries that targeted the body, putting batters at high risk.

The game has become much safer today with advancements in protective equipment and stricter safety regulations. Despite these improvements, cricket remains a high-risk sport where accidents still occur. In some unfortunate instances, these injuries have turned fatal, resulting in the loss of lives right on the pitch. Here’s a look at ten cricketers who tragically died due to injuries sustained during a match—grim reminders of the game’s potential dangers.

10.  Wasim Raja

Wasim Raja was a former Pakistani cricketer. He played 57 Test matches and 54 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the Pakistan national team from 1973 to 1985. He was an attacking left-handed batsman and could also bowl wrist spin. He was the brother of the famous Pakistani cricketer and sports commentator Ramiz Raja. Sadly, the talented all-rounder passed away in August 2006 after he suffered a heart attack on the field while playing for the Surrey over-50s team in England.

9. Ian Folley

Ian Folley was an English cricketer who sadly passed away after a match injury. He was hit by a ball under his eye while batting for Whitehaven Cricket Club against Workington in the summer of 1993. He was taken to the hospital for surgery, but sadly, he suffered a heart attack during the operation and passed away. Folley had taken 287 first-class wickets in his career. His death was a rare case where an on-field injury and a medical issue happened together.

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8. Ankit Keshri

Ankit Keshri is a former Bengal Under-19 captain and a promising opening batter who died in 2015 after a tragic accident during a knockout match. While going for a catch, he collided with his teammate Mondal and suffered a serious head injury. Keshri was also a leg-spin bowler. Even after three days of treatment, doctors could not save him. He sadly died due to a cardiac arrest in the hospital.

7. Richard Beaumont

Richard Beaumont was an English club cricketer and a fast bowler. On 5th August 2012, he had a great day on the field, taking five wickets against Astwood Bank Cricket Club. But sadly, just after the match, he suffered a massive stroke and collapsed on the ground. He was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.

6. Darryn Randall

Darryn Randall was a first-class South African cricketer. He was a right-handed batter and wicket-keeper who played for Border during the 2009–2010 season. He died during a Premier League match in South Africa. While trying to play a pull shot, the ball hit the side of his head, and he fell unconscious on the crease. He was taken to the hospital right away, but doctors could not save him. His tragic death showed the need for better helmet designs in cricket.

5. Wilf Slack

Wilf Slack was a county cricketer who played for Middlesex. He also played two ODIs and three matches for England. In 1989, while playing a match in Gambia, he suddenly collapsed and died while batting. The exact reason for his death is still unclear, but it is believed that he may have had an undiagnosed health problem.

4. Zulfiqar Bhatti

Zulfiqar Bhatti was a club cricketer from Pakistan. He died after being hit on the chest by a bouncer while trying to play a pull shot. This incident happened in December 2013, when he was just 22 years old. Bhatti was taken to a local hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival.

3. Raman Lamba 

After Ankit, another Indian cricketer on this list is Raman Lamba. He passed away after being hit on the head by a ball while fielding without a helmet during a club match in Dhaka. Lamba played 4 Test matches and 32 ODIs for India between 1986 and 1989, with an average performance. He was fielding at silly point when the ball hit his head. He suffered serious brain injuries, went into a coma, and sadly died three days later on 23rd February 1998.

2. Abdul Aziz

Abdul Aziz was a Pakistani first-class cricketer and an occasional wicket-keeper. He played eight first-class matches before his death. On January 17, 1959, during a match in Karachi, he was struck on the chest by a ball. Abdul collapsed on the field and died on his way to the hospital.

1. Philip Hughes

Phil Hughes was an Australian opening batter. He played domestic cricket for South Australia and Worcestershire. In the Border-Gavaskar series in India, he scored some good runs and was seen as a future star for Australia. On 25th November 2014, during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a bouncer from Sean Abbott hit him on the neck. He fell on the ground and became unconscious. He had surgery, but could not recover. Hughes died two days later. After his death, cricket helmets were updated to include neck guards for better safety.