Indian-origin Israeli cricket umpire killed after ball strikes him in the face

Police spokesperson Luba Samri said the man was hit by a ball during a league game on Saturday and that no foul play was suspected. He was evacuated to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Israeli police said a 60-year-old man has died after being struck in the face by a ball while working as an umpire at a cricket match in the coastal city of Ashdod.

Police spokesperson Luba Samri said the man was hit by a ball during a league game on Saturday and that no foul play was suspected. He was evacuated to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Hillel Oscar, the former Israeli cricket captain who was killed when hit by a ball when umpiring a game. (Photo credit: Israel Cricket Association)

Saturday's accident comes just two days after professional Australian cricket player Phillip Hughes died from injuries he sustained after being struck by a ball.

Witnesses told Israeli media a batsman struck a ball and it rebounded off the stumps to hit the umpire, who was not wearing protective gear.

Cricket remains a niche game in Israel and played mostly among a tight-knit group of expatriates.