The Abu Dhabi cricket stadium’s Indian chief curator, Mohan Singh, was found hanging in his room on Sunday just hours before the T20 World Cup game between Afghanistan and New Zealand.

“It is with great sadness that Abu Dhabi Cricket announces that Head Curator, Mohan Singh, has passed away today. Mohan has been with Abu Dhabi Cricket for 15 years and has played a pivotal role in all of the venue’s success during that time,” Abu Dhabi Cricket said in a statement.

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“Sunday’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 12 game between New Zealand and Afghanistan went ahead as scheduled, with the support of Mohan’s family and our groundstaff. Tributes to Mohan and his incredible achievements will be honoured in the coming days. Our thoughts are with Mohan’s family and we ask for media to respect their privacy at this tragic time,” it added.

The 45-year-old, who hailed from Uttarakhand, was suffering from depression and had inspected the pitch for the match before he was found dead in the room, PTI reported quoting UAE Cricket sources. Singh is survived by his wife and daughter. The cause of death was not confirmed. 

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“Mohan Singh today came to the ground in the morning and inspected the ground and playing turf. He spoke to us about arrangements and went back. When he didn’t arrive at the venue people went to his room and he was found hanging from his ceiling. He died by suicide,” a senior official associated with tournament organisers told PTI.

The ICC also condoled his death.

“We are deeply saddened and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, Abu Dhabi Cricket and everyone connected with the event,” read a statement from the world body.

The match went ahead on Sunday as the 45-year-old’s family, along with Abu Dhabi Cricket, requested for it.