Advertisement

Updated June 3rd, 2020 at 09:20 IST

Ex-Pakistan first-class cricketer Riaz Sheikh dies of suspected COVID-19

Former Pakistan first-class cricketer Riaz Sheikh on Tuesday became the second professional player in the country to die because of suspected coronavirus

Pakistan
| Image:self
Advertisement

Former Pakistan first-class cricketer Riaz Sheikh on Tuesday became the second professional player in the country to die because of suspected coronavirus, according to sources. Sources claimed that Sheikh's family buried him in a hurry without waiting for health officials to ascertain the cause of his death. Sheikh, 51, a leg-spinner who took 116 wickets in 43 first-class matches and was at one time considered for national selection, died here early Tuesday morning.

 Riaz Sheikh dies of suspected COVID-19

"His family buried him in a haste this morning but his neighbours suspect he had contracted the COVID-19 and his family didn't want to get involved in the process outlined by the provincial government for patients who die from the virus," a well-informed source said.

"Riaz (Sheikh) was a diabetic but it is suspected he fell ill because of the coronavirus and was at home."

Former Pakistani first-class cricketer Zafar Sarfraz, 50, was the first professional player in the country to die after contracting the novel coronavirus in Peshawar in April.  Sheikh, a popular figure in Pakistan's domestic circuit, was a coach at the Moin Khan Academy. Meanwhile Pakistan's former Test opener and member of the national junior selection committee, Taufiq Umar is recovering well from the COVID-19 after being quarantined at home. Taufiq confirmed a few days back that his COVID-19 tests had come positive in Lahore and he was going into quarantine.

The number of COVID-19 cases have risen sharply in Pakistan since the government eased the lockdown and restrictions before Eid last month. 

Nearly 76,5000 people have been affected by the virus in Pakistan so far, while 1621 have lost their lives. 

Advertisement

Published June 3rd, 2020 at 09:20 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Eknath Shinde
a minute ago
Inflation and growth
2 minutes ago
CUET
3 minutes ago
UP: Man Burned Alive By In-Laws in Mathura, Probe On
5 minutes ago
Diljit Dosanjh
9 minutes ago
mallikarjun kharge, lalu yadav
14 minutes ago
UN
16 minutes ago
ED Attack case: Shajahan Sheikh Sent to Judicial Remand Till April 9
18 minutes ago
Ravichandran Ashwin
22 minutes ago
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar
25 minutes ago
National Mall, Washington DC
28 minutes ago
Wall Street news
29 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo