Fruitful career snatched by cruel twist of fate: BCCI on Phillip Hughes' demise

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI) today expressed "deepest condolences" to the family of Phillip Hughes after the Australian cricketer passed away today following a head injury he had sustained during a Sheffield Shield game in Sydney two days ago.

"On behalf of the BCCI, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Phillip Hughes who passed away, days before he turned 26, and left an indelible mark on the cricketing community," Indian cricket board secretary Sanjay Patel said in a statement.

The 25-year-old cricketer, who was in contention for a Test recall for the upcoming series against India, died at the St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, where he was battling for life after being hit on the head by a bouncer from Sean Abbot during a domestic match between New South Wales and South Australia on Tuesday.

The BCCI added, "A fine cricketer who possessed the talent and temperament to have a long and fruitful international career has been snatched by a cruel twist of fate.

"As a member of the Australian cricket team which toured India recently, he brought immense joy to the cricket fans of our country and would be missed for time immemorial by the cricketing community of the world. May his soul rest in peace."

The cricket fraternity from across the globe reacted with shock and sadness at the sad demise of Hughes, who succumbed to his injuries.