ACB, Afghan fans mourn Phillip Hughes death

KABUL Cricket Board (ACB) and Afghan fans on Thursday joined the cricket fraternity in mourning the tragic demise of Australian Test batsman, Phillip Hughes.

Hughes died on Thursday in a Sydney hospital aged 25, two days after being struck on the top of the neck by a ball during a domestic match on Tuesday.

Australia team doctor Peter Brukner announced Phillip passed away in hospital, never regaining consciousness.  Australia captain Michael Clarke read out a statement on behalf of the Hughes family at a news conference held at St Vincent’s Hospital, where the player, who would have been 26 on Sunday, was being treated.

Speaking on behalf of parents Greg and Virginia, sister Megan and brother Jason, he said: “We’re devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother, Phillip. It’s been a very difficult few days.

ACB offered its deepest condolences to Phillip’s family and friends. Dr. Noor Muhammad Murad, ACB chief executive, in a statement to Pajhwok Afghan News said: “We’re all shocked over the sad demise of Phillip Hughes.”

“On ACB and Afghan cricket fans behalf, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the Australian government.”

ACB high performance programme (HPP) manager Bashir Stanekzai said Phillip Hughes was a leading player in the cricket world. Former Afghan captain Nawroz Mangal on his twitter page expressed his grief over the passing away of the Australian mate.

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) offered its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hughes.

ICC Chairman Narayanaswami Srinivasan said: “We are all shocked and saddened with the news of Phillip’s passing. On behalf of the entire cricket community, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

 ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said in Dubai: “He was a naturally gifted player who entertained many with his attacking approach to the game.

“All those who play, have played or are in any way connected to the game are devastated by the news. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy at this difficult time.”

Born in Macksville, New South Wales, Hughes made his Test debut against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2009 and in only his second Test match, in Durban, he became the youngest cricketer to score two centuries in a Test.

Hughes played 26 Test matches (scoring 1,535 runs, including three centuries), 25 One-Day Internationals (scoring 826 runs, including two centuries) – most recently in the victory over Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in October – and one T20 International.

rm/ma