Cricketer dies after suffering heart attack and collapsing mid-match – despite team-mates and opponents rushing him to nearby hospital

A cricketer has died after collapsing on the field, having suffered a heart attack mid-match and being rushed to hospital.

Vijay Patel was playing a game at the Fraser Boys ground in Jalna, Western India, when the tragedy struck.

He was reportedly in the area while on his Christmas holiday and was taking part in a local tournament.

The player had been batting as usual at the crease in the minutes before the incident and even hit a six in the second over of the game.

But Patel was then caught on camera talking to his team-mate and explaining how he was feeling unwell.

As he walked back to the crease to face another delivery, he collapsed out in the middle after having a heart attack, The Sun reports.

Vijay Patel (left) collapsed while playing cricket in India during his Christmas holidays

Those playing and in attendance rushed him to hospital but he had died from a heart attack

The cricketer’s team-mates and opposition players immediately ran towards him to help and rushed him to a local hospital.

Sadly, despite their efforts, doctors confirmed Patel had died upon his arrival at the hospital. 

The tournament’s organiser Bhola Kamble said: ‘Initially, we suspected he had a leg cramp, but upon closer inspection, we discovered he was in significant distress.

It became apparent that he was experiencing discomfort in his chest.

‘Without hesitation, we immediately transported him to the nearest hospital when he collapsed.

‘Tragically, the doctors at the hospital pronounced him dead.’

In the aftermath of Patel’s death, medical professionals warned stressed the importance of physical fitness in playing cricket and urged people to take necessary precautions while playing sport, particularly in the heat.