Veteran Sri Lankan cricket coach Sumith Fernando has died at the age of 62 after suffering injuries during a physical altercation with young cricketers at the Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club in Colombo. Fernando, who had a long association with grassroots cricket and previously coached Sri Lanka ODI captain Kusal Mendis during his school years, died on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Colombo National Hospital.
The incident occurred on August 8 during a training session at the Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club. According to local reports, the confrontation began after a group of young players went to a water tap but found that no drinking water was available. A disagreement reportedly followed between the players and Fernando, who was working at the venue.
The argument allegedly escalated when Fernando attempted to assault one of the players. During the confrontation, a 17-year-old cricketer reportedly struck Fernando, leaving him injured. He was subsequently taken to Colombo National Hospital, where he remained under medical care until his death on Tuesday.
ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin’s Advice to Indian Players: Forget WTC Pressure and Focus on Sri Lanka Tests
Police arrested the 17-year-old player on Monday in connection with the incident. As the accused is a minor, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court placed him under the care of the Department of Probation and Childcare Services until August 17.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Fernando’s death. Medical records reportedly indicated that the veteran coach had a pre-existing heart condition. Investigators are therefore examining whether his injuries, the underlying medical condition, or a combination of factors contributed to his death.
Police are also recording statements from witnesses and examining the events leading up to the confrontation. The investigation is expected to establish exactly how the altercation unfolded and what happened before Fernando was taken to the hospital.
Fernando’s death has sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka’s cricketing community, coming just days before the national team begins a two-Test series against India on August 15. His contribution to the development of young cricketers, however, extends well beyond the circumstances surrounding his death.
Fernando had spent years working at the grassroots level and previously coached at Prince of Wales College in Moratuwa. During his coaching career, he played an important role in developing several young talents, including Mendis during his school days.
WATCH – Steve Smith Admits He Was Lucky To Survive Controversial Dismissal Call Against Bangladesh
He later worked as a curator at the Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, a venue associated with Sri Lanka’s domestic first-class cricket structure. His dual experience as a coach and curator made him a respected and familiar figure among players and members of the local cricket community.
Fernando’s funeral was held on Thursday, with family members, former students and members of Sri Lanka’s cricket fraternity gathering to pay their final respects. His passing has left a deep sense of sadness across the local cricketing community, particularly among those he mentored throughout his career.
