Pakistani cricketer dies after being struck by ball

A Pakistani cricket succumbed to his head injuries today, two days after a bouncer struck him causing the fatal blow.

Zubair Ahmed received the short pitch delivery on his head on Monday while batting during a club match in Mardan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in Pakistan, reports local media.

READ MORE: Australian batsman Phil Hughes dies

Ahmed has played four matches for the ListA and T20 team Quetta Bears, reports Hindustan Times.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) broke the news via their verified Twitter account emphasising the need for a helmet at all times.

“Tragic death of Zubair Ahmed is another reminder that safety gear i.e. helmet must be worn at all times. Our sympathies with Zubair’s family,” read the tweet.

Former Australia cricketer Dean Jones also expressed condolences in his message and said, “Its so sad to hear.. Young Cricketer Zubair died in Mardan after Cricket ball hit on head during Cricket match. Condolences to his family.”

Yesterday, Australia Vice-Captain David Warner was also struck on the neck by a bouncer bowled by teammate Josh Hazelwood during an intra-squad practice match ahead of Bangladesh tour, reports Times of India.

However, Warner is recovering well after and is expected to be fit for the upcoming two-Test series in Bangladesh.

The left-hander dropped his bat and slumped to his knees after an attempted hook shot went awry at Marrara Oval in Darwin, but quickly picked himself up and walked off the ground unassisted.

Earlier on December 1, 2014, an umpire and former captain of Israel's national cricket team, Hillel Oscar, 55, died after being hit in the jaw by a ball.

Just three days before, Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, 25, died of a severe head injury after being hit by a bouncer in a New South Wales match in Sydney on November 27.