Tragedy on the Field: MCA Umpire Dies Mid-Match During U-19 Game at Mumbai’s Cross Maidan

Mumbai, April 15: In a deeply saddening incident, Prasad Malgonkar, a 60-year-old umpire affiliated with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), collapsed and died while officiating an Under-19 Bhama Cup cricket match on Tuesday. The tragic event unfolded at Cross Maidan’s Sunder Cricket Club ground, where KRP XI CC was playing against Crescent CC.

Malgonkar, who was stationed at square leg, suddenly collapsed during the 11th over of the match, just two deliveries into it. Despite reportedly feeling unwell earlier in the day, he chose to carry on with his umpiring duties.

Speaking to Mid Day, fellow umpire Parthamesh Angane, who was officiating alongside Malgonkar, recalled the morning: “He told me he was experiencing some acidity before the toss. I asked him to rest, but he said he could manage. He was doing fine until the 10th over, but then he suddenly collapsed at 10.2 and had trouble breathing.”

An emergency response was immediately initiated. MCA match coordinator Datta Mithbavkar, along with players and fellow officials, rushed to assist. “With the help of Ibrahim sir, players like Salman Khan, Barun Saw, and Pravin bhai, we carried him on a charpai to National CC, and then took him by taxi to Bombay Hospital,” Mithbavkar said. “Unfortunately, I believe he passed away before we reached.”

At Bombay Hospital, medical staff confirmed that Malgonkar had no detectable pulse or oxygen level upon arrival. An ECG showed no signs of cardiac activity, and doctors declared him brought dead. His pupils were also found to be unresponsive. No postmortem was conducted, as his family submitted a death certificate issued by their private physician.

Malgonkar was a well-regarded figure in Mumbai's local cricket circuit, known for his dedication and calm demeanor on the field. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the city’s cricketing community, with many expressing their grief and offering condolences to his family.

The MCA is expected to hold a condolence meeting in his memory in the coming days.