Former Ranji cricketer Amol Jickhar allegedly commits suicide

What’s the story?

Amol Jickhar, a former Ranji cricketer who played six first-class matches for Vidarbha was found dead in his Civil Lines home in Nagpur. According to initial reports, the former cricketer decided to take his own life due to the severe financial crisis caused by the losses in his business ventures.

The 38-year-old was found hanging from a ceiling fan at his house on Tuesday morning but the police suggest that Jickhar had committed suicide on Monday itself. He is survived by his wife and a son.

In case you didn’t know...

Jickhar was an active cricketer on the Indian domestic circuit from 1998 to 2002, primarily as a right arm off break bowler for Vidarbha after rising through the ranks as an under-19 cricketer for the side. He claimed seven wickets in his six matches at an average of 55 while also scoring 101 runs with the bat.

Jickhar also played eight List A matches picking up as many wickets at an average of 32.75 with best figures of 4/45.

The heart of the matter

The shocking incident brought a cloud of gloom to the Civil Lines locality in Nagpur as the news of the cricketer’s alleged suicide spread. According to reports, Jickhar was a popular restaurateur in Nagpur and had started a new restaurant venture in the city along with his friend – another former cricketer Vipul Pande – just a few months back.

However, the business was apparently in loss placing severe stress on Jickhar, ultimately forcing him to end his life due to the financial burden. His parents were in Pune when the unfortunate incident which highlights the financial insecurity that many people face unknown to even their closest relatives, took place.

What’s next?

Though initial reports suggest that the death was a suicide, a final confirmation can only be made once an autopsy is performed. For the time being though, it is important that we respect the privacy of the mourning family in their hour of grief.

Our tribute

Far from the buzz of the cash-rich IPL, many former cricketers are in a bad state financially and today’s unfortunate incident proves that sometimes the burden can force them to take the extreme step. We wish that the bereaved family can recover from the loss of their loved one and bring their life back on track soon.