Indian origin cricketer dies in New Zealand

Green Island Cricket Club was left baffled and shocked after their member and New Zealand cricketer Hareesh Gangadharan collapsed and died on the field

Green Island Cricket Club was left baffled and shocked after their member and New Zealand cricketer Hareesh Gangadharan collapsed and died on the field. The heartbreaking incident took place on Saturday (February 2) around 4 PM at the Sunnyvale Sports Centre, Main South Road in Green Island.

The 33-year-old had played for the club for five or six seasons. Shocked teammates have told The Otago Daily Times, Gangadharan did not have any known medical conditions and was a fit and healthy young man. Reports in New Zealand claim that he collapsed after he completed bowling an over.

New Zealand Cricket’s manager of public affairs Richard Boock said that early indications are that he has had a heart attack.

“Early indications are that the player has had a heart attack. It is tragic. Everyone is shattered, both at the club and Otago Cricket. Our hearts go out to his family.”

The Otago Daily Times’ reports Gangadharan leaves behind his wife Nisha Hareesh and their three-year-old daughter Gowri.

Club president John Moyle originally confirmed the tragic news through a club statement.

“I am heartbroken to confirm the news of the very sudden death of our Green Island Cricket Club member while playing yesterday at Sunnyvale,” he said.

“Hareesh Gangadharan suffered a medical event and despite all efforts by teammates, the public and emergency services he could not be saved.