Abu Dhabi Cricket and ICC release statement over untimely demise of curator Mohan Singh

Even as Afghanistan and New Zealand prepared to lock horns against each other on Sunday, a shocking news came forward. Mohan Singh, the curator of Sheikh Zayed stadium Abu Dhabi, where NZ vs AFG game was set to take place, passed away. The cause of the death was not known then but local police investigation has started their investigation.

Interestingly, the match went ahead and completed as well with New Zealand comfortably defeating Afghanistan to secure their place in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup. However, soon after the match, Abu Dhabi Cricket released an official statement regarding the passing away of Mohan. They also confirmed that the match went ahead as scheduled with the consent of Mohan’s family and the groundstaff.

“It is with great sadness that Abu Dhabi Cricket announces that Head Curator, Mohan Singh, has passed away today. Mohan has been with Abu Dhabi Cricket for 15 years and has played a pivotal role in all of the venue’s success during that time.

“Sunday’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 12 game between New Zealand and Afghanistan went ahead as scheduled, with the support of Mohan’s family and our groundstaff. Tributes to Mohan and his incredible achievements will be honoured in the coming days. Our thoughts are with Mohan’s family and we ask for media to respect their privacy at this tragic time,” their statement on Twitter read.

It is with great sadness that Abu Dhabi Cricket announces that Head Curator, Mohan Singh, has passed away today.

Mohan has been with Abu Dhabi Cricket for 15 years and has played a pivotal role in all of the venue’s success during that time.

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— Abu Dhabi Cricket (@AbuDhabiCricket) November 7, 2021

Our thoughts are with Mohan’s family and we ask for media to respect their privacy at this tragic time.

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— Abu Dhabi Cricket (@AbuDhabiCricket) November 7, 2021

We are deeply saddened, said ICC Spokesperson

International Cricket Council (ICC) also released the statement soon after the match and also sent its condolences to Mohan Singh’s family. The cricketing body also confirmed that the game only happened after the groundstaff and Mohan’s family gave consent for it.

“The International Cricket Council has sent its condolences to the family of Mohan Singh, the curator at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi who passed away earlier today. At the request of Abu Dhabi Cricket, the ground staff and Mohan’s family, game between New Zealand and Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 went ahead,” the ICC statement read.

An ICC spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, Abu Dhabi Cricket and everyone connected with the event.”