Rohit - Monday, Jun 30, 2025Batter Dies of Heart Attack After Hitting Six in Firozpur: A Grim Reminder of Hidden Cardiac Risks in Sports
In a shocking and deeply tragic moment caught on camera, a cricketer in Punjab collapsed and died from a heart attack seconds after hitting a six. The incident took place during a local match in Firozpur, where Harjeet Singh, a seemingly fit batter, suddenly fell to the ground after walking up the pitch following a big shot.
The video, which has since gone viral on social media, shows Harjeet hitting a clean six, admiring his shot, and walking up for a chat with his partner, only to suddenly drop to his knees. Despite the immediate response from players attempting CPR, Harjeet died on the field, leaving the cricketing community and viewers across the country in disbelief.
The visual evidence is distressing. Harjeet shows no signs of discomfort during the shot. Yet, within seconds, he clutches his chest, goes down, and loses consciousness. The players immediately understood the gravity of the situation and surrounded him, administering CPR in a desperate attempt to revive him.
However, medical personnel later confirmed that Harjeet had suffered a massive cardiac arrest and had likely passed away instantly.
Tragically, this isn’t an isolated case. In 2024, a similar incident unfolded in Pune at the Garware Stadium. Imran Patel, a 35-year-old all-rounder, complained of chest and arm pain during his innings. He was permitted to retire and return to the pavilion, but collapsed midway, never to rise again.
Despite being described by teammates as “exceptionally fit”, Imran also succumbed to a heart attack, shocking family, friends, and fellow cricketers alike. His death, like Harjeet's, was captured on video, a brutal testament to how unpredictable such episodes can be, even among those who appear physically well.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in sudden cardiac deaths during sports and recreational activities, particularly cricket at amateur levels. Though fitness levels may appear normal, underlying heart conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, or undiagnosed coronary issues can lie dormant until triggered by high physical stress.
Cricket, especially in extreme weather or competitive environments, can place serious strain on the heart. Emotional spikes, like the adrenaline rush after hitting a six, can also act as catalysts for cardiac events in susceptible individuals.
Another concerning takeaway from these incidents is the lack of immediate medical infrastructure at local sporting venues. While players attempted CPR, the absence of on-site defibrillators (AEDs) or trained medics significantly reduces survival chances during such emergencies.
Most grassroots-level tournaments in India do not have protocols in place for cardiac emergencies, despite the sport's widespread popularity and physical demands. These tragedies highlight the urgent need for cardiac screening, player awareness, and availability of emergency response tools, especially in district and amateur-level cricket.
The deaths of Harjeet Singh and Imran Patel are tragic reminders that no one is immune to cardiac risks, not even young, fit sportsmen. As cricket grows more competitive at all levels, safety measures must evolve too.
As cricket fans mourn Harjeet Singh and remember Imran Patel, their sudden passing serves not only as a painful personal loss to their communities but also as a wake-up call for Indian sports.
What was meant to be a moment of triumph, a six sailing over the boundary, became Harjeet’s final act on Earth. It’s time we ensure such tragedies don’t repeat because of preventable oversights.
