Cricketer dies during veterans' match

Javed Sheikh, a 53-year-old cricketer, has died during a veterans' Twenty20 match in Pakistan. It was the second such incident in Karachi this year, leaving organisers contemplating a ban on players with a history of cardiac problems.

Sheikh collapsed during the match at Asgher Ali Shah stadium in Karachi, having complained of chest pain after bowling three overs. Fakhr Khairi, a 60-year-old skin specialist, had died earlier in the year while taking a run during a match for players above 60.

Following the incidents, the president of the Pakistan Veterans' Cricket Association Fawad Aijaz said his association will draw up guidelines for veterans' cricket. "It's sad that Sheikh died during the match and a positive activity for veteran players (has been) turned into a tragedy," Aijaz told AFP. "We have been successfully holding senior cricket for players over 40 and veterans' cricket for 50-plus players but after this second death we will stop players who have cardiac history."

Visal Ansari, secretary of the Sindh Veterans' Association, also offered his condolences. "Veterans' cricket is a positive activity but the players must themselves realise what their condition is, and should not exert more effort than their body can afford," he said.