Darryn Randall was a professional cricketer from South Africa. He was a skilled right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper representing the Border team. His birthplace was in East London. Randall made his debut for the team in the 2009-10 season in a game against Northern. Randall passed away on October 27, 2013, following a tragic incident where he was struck on the head by a cricket ball during a match in Alice, Eastern Cape.
Darryn Randall is not the only cricket player to have passed away on the field while playing a match, which is a tragic reality. Listed below are a few more well-known players who have had the same unfortunate outcome.
Richard Beaumont (England)
On August 5, 2012, things were looking up for Richard Beaumont, a cricketer from an English club.
He had just achieved a remarkable feat by taking five wickets for his club in a match against the Astwood Bank Cricket Club. Unfortunately, right after that, a devastating stroke befell Beumonth, causing him to collapse suddenly.
He was quickly transported to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, but tragically pronounced deceased upon arrival.
Zulfiqar Bhatti (Pakistan)
In December 2013, a young cricketer named Zulfiqar Bhatti from Pakistan met a heartbreaking end at the age of 22. He tragically lost his life after being hit in the chest while trying to execute a pull shot. To great regret, the doctors were powerless.
Wasim Raja (Pakistan)
Wasim Raja, a talented left-handed batsman hailing from Pakistan and the brother of the well-known commentator Ramiz Raja, proudly represented his country in 57 Tests and 54 one-day internationals over 12 years from 1973 to 1985.
Raja unfortunately lost his life in August 2006 when he experienced a heart attack on the pitch while representing the English county Surrey over-50s team.
Ian Folley (England)
Ian Folley was another English domestic cricketer who tragically and unexpectedly lost his life while playing the sport he loved.
Folley, who boasted an impressive tally of 287 FC wickets, suffered a painful blow to his eye while at the crease for Whitehaven Cricket Club against Workington in the summer of 1993.
He was quickly taken to the hospital for eye surgery, but unfortunately, Folley experienced a tragic heart attack during the anaesthesia.
Alcwyn Jenkins (England)
Alcwyn Jenkins, a 72-year-old English umpire, tragically lost his life in 2009 when he was accidentally hit on the head by a throw from a fielder.
Jenkins succumbed to the blow, unable to recover from the severe internal injuries.
Raman Lamba (India)
The untimely passing of Raman Lamba, a former international cricketer, is a profoundly sorrowful event that continues to be a heartbreaking tale in the annals of Indian cricket.
Lamba, who played for Team India in 4 Tests and 32 ODIs from 1986 to 1989, met a tragic fate during a club match in Dhaka. He was hit on the head while fielding at a silly point without wearing a helmet.
Lamba slipped into a coma after three days and was ultimately pronounced deceased.
Phil Hughes (Australia)
In November 2014, the promising 25-year-old left-handed batsman from Australia, Philip Hughes, tragically lost his life after being hit on the neck by a powerful bouncer from pacer Sean Abbott during a Sheffield Shield match.
Hughes collapsed on the pitch and was quickly taken to the hospital. It was later discovered that he had fractured his skull and experienced severe bleeding in his brain.
Despite the tireless dedication of medical professionals and the heartfelt prayers of countless individuals worldwide, young Phil tragically succumbed to his injuries just two days later.