5 prominent cricketers who passed away in 2024

The year 2024 was a memorable one for cricket fans. The Indian cricket team became the T20 World Cup champions; the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series started in Australia. Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL, and there were several other big moments.

However, 2024 was also an emotional year because several cricket legends breathed their last. Now that 2024 is coming to a close, here's a look at the five prominent cricketers who passed away during the year.

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#1 Aunshuman Gaekwad, India

Former Indian opening batter Aunshuman Gaekwad passed away on July 31, 2024 at the age of 71. Gaekwad had been in the headlines because of his poor health. BCCI had released a fund of ₹1 crore to help him with his cancer treatment on July 14.

Unfortunately though, Gaekwad didn't survive. He had represented India in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs from 1975 to 1987. His last appearance for India came in an ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati on December 23, 1987.

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#2 Graham Thorpe, England

While Aunshuman Gaekwad lost a battle against cancer, former England player Graham Thorpe took his own life on August 4, 2024, just three days after his 55th birthday.

He was battling depression and anxiety, and eventually got struck by a train at a railway station, succumbing to his injuries.

Thorpe was known as one of the most complete batters in English history. He played 100 Tests and 82 ODIs, scoring over 9,000 runs. The England team paid tribute to him by wearing black arm-bands during the Old Trafford Test against Sri Lanka in August.

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#3 Mohammad Nazir, Pakistan

Former Pakistan off-spinner Mohammad Nazir represented his nation in 14 Tests and four ODI matches, scalping 37 wickets across the two formats. Nazir played his last game for Pakistan in 1984 against Australia.

After retirement, Nazir worked hard and became an umpire. As an umpire, Nazir officiated in five Test matches and 15 ODI games. He lost his life due to a protracted illness at the age of 78.

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#4 David Johnson, India

Former Indian fast bowler David Johnson died at the age of 52 on June 20, 2024 after falling from the balcony of his fourth-floor. Johnson had played two Tests for India in 1996. Reacting to his demise, former Indian player Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X:

"Deeply saddened by the passing of my former teammate, David Johnson. He was full of life and never gave up on the field. My thoughts are with his friends and family."

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#5 Dattajirao Gaekwad, India

India's oldest Test cricketer at the start of 2024, Dattajirao Gaekwad passed away at the age of 95 due to age-related illness. The news of his death came out on February 13, 2024.

He was the oldest Test player of the country alive at the time of his death. He had represented India in 11 Test matches, aggregating 350 runs. Gaekwad's Test career started from 1952 and ended in 1961.