Zubair Ahmed, Phil Hughes, Raman Lamba ... when cricket turned deadly

Pakistan batsman Zubair Ahmed is the latest casualty, killed by a bouncer during a club cricket match.

The untimely death of another young cricketer – Pakistani batsman Zubair Ahmed,who passed away after being hit on the head by the ball raises questions on safety in the ‘Gentleman’s Game’. Ahmed was struck by a bouncer while competing in a local league game in Mardan on August 14. (Cricket and fatal on-field injuries)

A memorial is dispalyed outside Macksville Public School during the Funeral Service for Phillip Hughes on December 3, 2014 in Macksville, Australia. Australian cricketer Phil Hughes passed away, aged 25, as a result of head injuries sustained during the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and New South Wales at the SCG on November 25, 2014. (Getty Images)

Below is the list of cricketers that sustained fatal head injuries:

Ankit Kesari (2015)

The death of the 20-year old Indian batsman was the most unfortunate. Kesari passed away after sustaining an injury to the head after a collision with team-mate Sourav Mondal in a local match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The Bengal batsman spent three days in hospital before succumbing to a cardiac arrest.

Phil Hughes (2014)

The most recent death by ball to head was the demise of a 25-year old Phil Hughes. He was hit on the head by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and New South Wales leaving him with a fractured skull. Despite being operated on Hughes died two days later due to massive bleeding in his brain.

Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke pays tribute to Phi Hughes during the Funeral Service for Phil Hughes at Macksville High School Stadium on December 3, 2014 in Macksville, Australia. (Getty Images)

Darryn Randall (2013)

The South African batsman was struck on the side head while attempting a pull shot in a domestic match. The 32-year old collapsed on the spot and was rushed to the hospital but could not be revived.

Alcwyn Jenkins (2009)

In another unfortunate accident the 72-year old umpire was hit by ball thrown in by a fielder. The English umpire was airlifted to the hospital but died shortly after arrival.

Raman Lamba (1998)

The Indian was hit on the head while fielding at short leg in a club game at Dhaka. Mehrab Hossain’s pull shot struck him on the head sending the 38-year old into a coma three days after the incident. The severe brain injuries eventually lead to his death.

George Summers (1870)

The first ever recorded fatality in cricket was the death of the 25-year old English batsman and it was caused by a hit to the head. Batting for Nottinghamshire, Summers was struck by a short delivery from MCC bowler John Platt. He appeared to have recovered, even travelling back to Nottingham by train. The injury got the better of him four days later.