[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/tristanlavalette/2019/11/27/remembering-australian-cricketer-phillip-hughes-five-years-after-his-tragic-death/)
Tragedy struck the cricketing world on January 8, 2024, when 52-year-old Jayesh Chunnilal Savla, a businessman from Bhayandar, Mumbai, died after being struck on the head by a ball from an adjacent match. The incident occurred at Matunga’s Major Dhadkar Maidan, where multiple matches were being played simultaneously. Savla was fielding during a veterans’ tournament when a ball from another game unexpectedly flew over and hit him on the back of the head, causing him to collapse unconscious. Despite immediate medical attention, he was declared dead upon arrival at Sion Hospital .([The Indian Express][1], [Hindustan Times][2], [The Times of India][3])
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with cricket, even in amateur settings. While helmets and protective gear have improved safety, the unpredictable nature of the game can still lead to tragic outcomes. The cricket community mourned Savla’s passing, and the Kutchi community’s tournament organizers have since implemented stricter safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future.([time.com][4], [Hindustan Times][2])
Savla’s death serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety protocols and awareness in all levels of cricket. It underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness to protect players from unforeseen hazards during matches.
[1]: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/man-dies-cricket-match-ball-hits-head-9102264/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Mumbai: 52-yr-old dies during cricket match after ball hits him in head | Mumbai News – The Indian Express”
[2]: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/hit-on-head-by-ball-from-another-match-cricketer-dies-at-mumbai-ground-101704869365770.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Hit on head by ball from another match, cricketer dies at Mumbai ground | Crickit”
[3]: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mum-cricketer-dies-after-ball-from-another-match-hits-him/articleshow/106677737.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Mumbai cricketer dies after ball from another match hits him | Mumbai News – Times of India”
[4]: https://time.com/3611344/cricket-phillip-hughes-safety-debate-israeli-umpire/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Two Deaths Within a Week Makes Cricket Safety Conversation
Get Louder”
