Former first-class cricketer of Pakistan Riaz Sheikh on Tuesday became the second cricketing figure in Pakistan to die after contracting the Coronavirus.
Reports in Pakistan media quoting sources claimed that Sheikh’s family buried him in a hurry without waiting for health officials, which many believe proves that the deceased did indeed have coronavirus.
Sheikh, 51, a leg-spinner who claimed 116 wickets in 43 first-class matches and was once in contention for selection in the national side, passed away on Tuesday morning.
“His family buried him in a haste this morning but his neighbours suspect he had contracted the COVID-19 and his family didn’t want to get involved in the process outlined by the provincial government for patients who die from the virus,” multiple reports in Pakistan media quoting source said.
“Riaz (Sheikh) was a diabetic but it is suspected he fell ill because of the coronavirus and was at home.” reports quoting source added.
Sheikh, a popular figure in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, was a coach at the Moin Khan Academy.
Earlier, former Pakistani first-class cricketer Zafar Sarfraz, 50, became the first professional player in the country to die after contracting the novel coronavirus in Peshawar in April.
Pakistan’s former Test opener and member of the national junior selection committee, Taufiq Umar is recovering well from the COVID-19 after being quarantined at home.