Former Karnataka pacer Akshay passes away due to heart attack

Former Karnataka fast bowler S.L. Akshay passed away due to a heart attack here on Sunday. He was 39.

Akshay, who was playing a KSCA third division match for Sapphire CC at SLS Kreedangana, left the field after bowling four overs. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was brought dead, officials stated.

An effort bowler, Akshay played six First Class matches for Karnataka. He also featured in three List A and nine T20 games in an era when the State side boasted of a loaded pace trio in Vinay Kumar, Abhimanyu Mithun and S. Arvind.

The Shivamogga-born Akshay made his senior Karnataka debut in a Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture against Hyderabad in Chennai in 2010. In his final List A game three years later, he recorded career-best figures of four for 50 against Hyderabad.

Akshay’s last Ranji Trophy appearance came against Haryana in Hubballi in 2012. He bowled 28 overs and picked up three wickets, even as Amit Mishra and Jayant Yadav put on a 392-run eighth-wicket stand.

Former Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter C.M. Gautam expressed shock at Akshay’s demise. “Akshay was a close friend. He was an amazing person. He was a pure soul with a good sense of humour,” Gautam said.

“He was a very good fast bowler who always gave 100% on the field. Even recently, we played a KSCA Group II match for Bank of Baroda, and he bowled his heart out. He was the ultimate team man,” Gautam said.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) paid tribute. “Akshay represented Karnataka with distinction at the First Class level, and even beyond his playing career, continued to serve the game with unwavering passion and dedication.

“Karnataka cricket has lost not only a former player and coach but also a deeply valued member of its family,” a KSCA statement read.