In the unforgiving world of competitive sport, a momentary lapse in judgement can carry irreversible consequences. Cricket has not been spared from such tragedies. Over the years, several players have paid the ultimate price for split-second miscalculations on the field, echoing the grim reality that even a minor oversight can turn fatal.
The world still remembers the heartbreak of 2014, when Australian batsman Phil Hughes succumbed to an injury. But long before that, Indian cricket had endured a similar tragedy when a cricketer’s life was cut short during a league match in Bangladesh in 1998.
It was February 1998, and Raman Lamba, a stylish opener known for his domestic exploits, was playing a match at the Dhaka Premier League. Representing Abahani
Krira Chakra against Mohammedan Sporting Club, Lamba took his position at forward short leg, one of cricket’s most perilous fielding spots. As Mehrab Hossain pulled a fiercely struck shot, the ball rocketed toward Lamba, smashing directly into his skull.
Eyewitnesses recall a brief moment of confusion. Lamba, who had not been wearing a helmet, appeared shaken but not critically injured. Abahani captain Khaled Masud had reportedly advised him to wear one, but Lamba declined, believing the remaining three deliveries of the over wouldn’t warrant the extra protection. That fateful judgement would prove fatal.
Within hours, Lamba’s condition deteriorated sharply. A massive internal haemorrhage had formed, and doctors fought desperately to save him. A neurosurgeon was flown in from Delhi, but the injury was beyond repair. On 23 February 1998, at just 38 years old, Raman Lamba’s life came to a tragic end.
His death sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Lamba, who had represented India in 4 Tests and 32 ODIs, had been regarded as a dependable batsman with an attacking flair. He amassed 783 runs in ODIs—including a century and six fifties—along with 102 runs in his brief Test career. His domestic record was even more impressive: 8,776 runs in 121 first-class matches and 2,543 runs in List A cricket.
