Tributes pour in for cricketer Yashpal Sharma following his death at 66

Tributes and condolences poured in on social media after former cricketer, 1983 world cup winner Yashpal Sharma died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday morning. Yashpal Sharma was 66. 

“Yes, Yashpal is no more with us. We just received the information from his family,” a former India teammate of Yashpal confirmed to PTI.

In the last 70s and the 80s, Yashpal Sharma, who hailed from Punjab, scored 1606 runs with two tons (top score of 140) and nine 50s. In the 37 Test matches he played for India after debuting in 1979 against England, Sharma maintained an average of over 33. He was also a national selector during the early part of 2000.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar expressed his grief over Yashpal Sharma’s death on Twitter, and wrote, “Shocked and deeply pained by the demise of Yashpal Sharma ji. Have fond memories of watching him bat during the 1983 World Cup. His contribution to Indian cricket shall always be remembered. My sincere condolences to the entire Sharma family.”

Also Read | Who was Yashpal Sharma?

Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag on Twitter wrote, “So sorry to hear about #YashpalSharma Paaji ‘s passing away, one of the heroes of our 1983 WC win. Heartfelt condolences. Om Shanti.”

Yuvraj Singh also condoled his death and wrote, “Very sad news of the untimely demise of Yashpal Sharma paaji. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to his family and loved ones ??”

The Honorary Secretary of BCCI and the President of Asian Cricket Council, Jay Shah on Twitter wrote, “Shocked and pained to learn about the sudden demise of Shri Yashpal Sharma. He will always be remembered for his knock of 89 runs against West Indies, which provided impetus to India’s world cup journey in 1983 and his overall contribution for #TeamIndia.”

Other people from the sports fraternity also condoled the death of Yashpal Sharma. 

See the tweets here:

Anurag Thakur, the Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs and the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, also paid tribute to Yashpal Sharma and wrote, “Saddened by the passing away of ace cricketer & 1983 World Cup winning member Sh Yashpal Sharma.”

He added, “He had an illustrious career & was India’s second-highest run getter at the 1983 World Cup. He was also an umpire and national selector. His contribution won’t be forgotten. ॐ शांति (Om Shanti).”

Union Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia also condoled Yashpal Sharma’s death, and on Twitter wrote: “Former batsman Shri Yashpal Sharma Ji’s spectacular performance in the 1983 World Cup is a memory etched on the hearts of many cricket lovers, including me. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones & admirers. Om Shanti”

Sharma is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.