Former cricketer Lalremruata dies at 38

Former Mizoram Ranji Trophy cricketer K. Lalremruata passed away on Thursday, hours after collapsing during a local cricket match, officials said. He was 38.Lalremruata, a resident of Maubawk near Aizawl, was representing Venghnuai Raiders Cricket Club (VRCC) in a Khaled Memorial 2nd Division Screening Tournament match at the Suaka Cricket Ground near the Sairang railway station when the incident occurred.According to the Cricket Association of Mizoram (CAM), Lalremruata suffered a stroke while play was in progress. He collapsed suddenly on the field and was immediately attended to before being rushed for medical treatment. Despite efforts to save him, he later succumbed. The match was being played between Venghnuai Raiders CC and Chawnpui ILMOV CC when the tragedy unfolded.In a statement, the CAM confirmed the cause of death and expressed deep condolences to Lalremruata’s family, describing his passing as a significant loss to cricket in the state.“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family; may God comfort them as they navigate this great loss,” the CAM said.A wicketkeeper by role, Lalremruata represented Mizoram twice in the Ranji Trophy and featured in seven matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He made his first-class debut against Meghalaya in 2018 and played his last competitive match in 2022 against Nagaland.Beyond the domestic circuit, Lalremruata was a well-known and respected figure in Mizoram’s local cricketing community. He played for several clubs and also served on the Senior Tournament Committee, contributing to the development of the game at the grassroots level.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also mourned his passing. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mizoram cricketer K Lalremruata. He proudly represented Mizoram in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The BCCI extends heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and the Mizoram cricket community,” BCCI Domestic posted on X.— BCCIdomestic (@BCCIdomestic) Mizoram’s Sports and Youth Services Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar also expressed grief over Lalremruata’s death, as condolences poured in from across the cricketing fraternity.In the wake of the tragedy, Assam Cricket cancelled all matches scheduled for Thursday, including fixtures in the 2nd Division Screening Tournament at SCG, Sihhmui, the 3rd Division Screening Tournament semi-finals at Lawipu Playground, and the Samagra Inter-School Cricket Tournament for boys and girls at venues in Mualpui. Revised schedules will be announced later. (With inputs from TOI)