Friday 21 / August / 2026
MUSCAT: In a shocking and tragic incident, an amateur cricketer collapsed on the ground while playing and passed away on Friday.
Shabeer Basheer, a 35-year-old cricketer from India, died while playing a ‘tennis ball cricket' game for Jiffnain Challengers at a ground in Al Hail.
Shabeer is survived by his wife, who works in a private hospital and one child.
Confirming the unfortunate incident, a fellow cricketer shared a heartfelt note. He said: "Our dear friend Shabeer, captain of Jifnain Challengers, suddenly experienced a serious health emergency during the cricket match this morning and was rushed to nearby hospital in Al Hail. The doctors provided emergency medical treatment, including CPR, but unfortunately, his life could not be saved. The incident occurred between 9-9.30am."
A fellow clubmate said that "The initial formalities have been completed, and arrangements are currently underway to repatriate his body to India.
The deceased's wife and child were staying with him in Muscat.
Hailing from Thuravoor in Alappuzha district of southern Indian state of Kerala, Shabeer worked for Electroman LLC and was a resident of Oman for past 14 years.
Another tragedy on field
Months after a similar incident was reported earlier this year in UAE, Shabeer's death brings to attention the urgent need for more awareness for amateur players to have a proper medical checkup and also the need to learn CPR techniques for players.
Oman had earlier reported similar incidents in the past, couple of amateur cricketers and a badminton player. According to unverified reports a total of six such deaths have been reported over the past five years.
Awareness campaign needed
Reacting to the latest death of Shabeer, one of the club owners, told Times of Oman: “There need to be an awareness campaign and we plan to work in close coordination with Oman Cricket, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and couple of hospitals, who would like to join hands with this noble initiative.
Important to go for medical checkups
Leading sports injury consultant, Dr E B S Ramanathan [Ram Sethu] at Muscat Private Hospital, said: “Such incidents could be caused by cardiomyopathy, which could lead to heart failure. There could have been a prevailing condition that has not been detected in the player. This is why it is very important to go for medical examinations for amateur and professional sportspersons.”
He added: “The most common heart muscle disease that causes sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes is called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) – a disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. The thickened heart muscle makes it harder for the heart to pump blood sufficiently to the rest of the body.”
Sudden cardiac death is a tragedy at any age and under any circumstances but is perhaps most tragic when it claims the life of the sportsperson, an individual who epitomises health and a healthy lifestyle.
