Twenty two-year-old cricketer Sonu Yadav died after collapsing on the field during a friendly match at the Bata Club ground on Wednesday. The incident happened around noon.

According to those present at the ground, Sonu, who used to play for Ballygunge Sporting Club as a wicketkeeper-batsman, collapsed on the field after finishing his batting. “After he finished his batting, he fell down, saying he wasn’t feeling well.

“Thereafter, the others at the ground sprinkled water on his face, somehow pulling him up. But he fell again and became unconscious. His condition worsened.

“He was then taken to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB)’s medical unit. Things didn’t improve there and he had to be rushed to the SSKM Hospital where he was declared brought dead,” said a player who was present at the ground.

Doctors at the hospital said that the actual reason behind the death would be known only after the post-mortem report is out.

Earlier in January, 21-year-old Aniket Sharma of Paikpara SC collapsed on the ground and breathed his last because of a possible cardiac arrest.

The CAB, on its part, will be coming up with measures to deal with such tragic incidents. “We are deeply saddened by what happened today,” said joint secretary Avishek Dalmiya.

“On our Foundation Day this year, a CPR and a first-aid course were conducted for our match observers.

“Next time onwards, we’ll make sure even players, coaches, umpires and also scorers undergo these so that when such emergencies take place again at the ground, more people would be having an idea on how to deal with them.”

The CAB also has plans to have medical check-ups done for all its first and second division players before the season commences. The CAB medical unit too will be revamped.