Former Karnataka pacer SL Akshay dies

Former Karnataka pacer SL Akshay died here on Sunday due to heart attack. He was 39.A member of the Karnataka side that lifted the Ranji Trophy in the 2014-15 season, Akshay was playing a KSCA third division match for Sapphire CC here.Akshay left the field after bowling four overs, complaining of uneasiness. He had taken up coaching with the state under-19 team after his playing career.

Former Karnataka pacer SL Akshay died here on Sunday due to heart attack. He was 39.

A member of the Karnataka side that lifted the Ranji Trophy in the 2014-15 season, Akshay was playing a KSCA third division match for Sapphire CC here.

Akshay left the field after bowling four overs, complaining of uneasiness. He was taken to a nearby hospital but was declared brought dead.

''Akshay represented Karnataka with distinction at the first-class level and, even beyond his playing career, continued to serve the game with unwavering passion and dedication.

''As a junior-level coach, he played a pivotal role in nurturing and mentoring young cricketers, leaving an enduring impact on the development of cricketing talent in the State,'' stated a KSCA release.

Akshay played six first-class, three List A and nine T20s for Karnataka between 2011 and 2013. He had taken up coaching with the state under-19 team after his playing career.