5 balls that shook the cricketing world

4. Raman Lamba, 38 (India, 1998)

Raman Lamba (1960-1998)

This was the first time a cricketer died due to a head injury.

The incident happened in a domestic league match between Abahani Krira Chakra and Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Dhaka Bangabandhu Stadium on February 20, 1998. While fielding at forward short leg, he was hit on the temple (side of the head behind the eyes) by a ball hit by Mehrab Hossain and bowled by Saifullah Khan. Moving to that fielding position, he was asked to wear a helmet but he denied as only 3 balls were remaining in the over.

He was immediately taken to Post Graduate hospital in Dhaka where he suffered an internal hemorrhage and went into a coma 3 days after the incident. He was pronounced dead on February 23, 1998.