Afghanistan batsman Najeeb Tarakai dies aged 29

Injuries suffered after being struck by a car eventually saw him succumb on Tuesday (October 6)

• Australia Test against Afghanistan postponed
• Zimbabwe call off Afghanistan T20 series

Najeeb Tarakai, the Afghanistan batsman, has died from injuries sustained during a car accident aged 29.

Tarakai was struck while crossing the road in his hometown of Jalalabad on Friday.

He was described as "severely injured" and underwent surgery while in a coma.

But news has emerged that Tarakai has passed away. He played a single ODI and 12 T20 internationals for Afghanistan, his last outing coming in September 2019.

As recently as last September Tarakai made what would turn out to be his last competitive appearance, making 32 as his MIS Ainak Knights side lost to Kabul Eagles in the Shpageeza Cricket League.

ACB and Afghanistan Cricket Loving Nation mourns the heart breaking & grievous loss of its aggressive opening batsman & a very fine human being Najeeb Tarakai (29) who lost his life to tragic traffic accident leaving us all shocked!

May Allah Shower His Mercy on him pic.twitter.com/Ne1EWtymnO

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 6, 2020

A statement from the Afghanistan Cricket Board read: "ACB and Afghanistan Cricket Loving Nation mourns the heartbreaking & grievous loss of its aggressive opening batsman & a very fine human being Najeeb Tarakai (29) who lost his life to tragic traffic accident leaving us all shocked! May Allah Shower His Mercy on him."

For unrivalled coverage of the county season, subscribe to The Cricketer and receive 3 issues for £5