'Deepest grief': Cricket world rocked by devastating Covid tragedy
The cricket world is mourning the tragic death of Indian spinner Piyush Chawla's father, who died after suffering from post-Covid-19 complications.
Chawla, 32, was part of the Mumbai Indians outfit in the Indian Premier League before it was suspended due to Covid-19, causing mass chaos in India.
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India's coronavirus caseload topped 20 million last week as the crisis finally forced the suspension of the world's richest cricket competition.
Many cricket families have been dealing with the deadly virus and Chawla announced on Instagram his father died after post-Covid-19 complications.
"With deepest grief, we announce thy my beloved father, Mr Pramod Kumar Chawla, left for the heavenly abode on 10th May 2021," he wrote.
Indian cricket players and fans took to Instagram to pay their respects following the devastating news.
Former Test star Irfan Pathan wrote: "My deepest condolences to you and family brother."
Shrikant Mundhe, Mohsin Khan and Ishwar Pandey were among the cricket community to also pass on their condolences.
My heartfelt condolences on the demise of Piyush Chawla’s father. I offer my thoughts and prayers in these bad times. #rip
— Reema Malhotra (@ReemaMalhotra8) May 10, 2021
Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of my friend Piyush Chawla’s father. May God bless and comfort his family during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences 🙏🏻🙏🏻 #RIP
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) May 10, 2021
Our thoughts go out to Piyush Chawla who lost his father, Mr. Pramod Kumar Chawla this morning.
We are with you and your family in this difficult time. Stay strong. pic.twitter.com/81BJBfkzyv— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 10, 2021
Condolences to Piyush Chawla and his family on the tragic loss of his father to Covid. Thoughts with Piyush in these difficult times
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 10, 2021
My dear brother Piyush Chawla’s father, Pramod uncle is no more. My deepest condolences to you & your family. I pray that you go thru this difficult time with patience. Uncle was a great soul and full of life. COVID has taken one more life! pic.twitter.com/ePHLip8AAq
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 10, 2021
Chawla played three Tests, 25 one-day internationals and seven T20s for India during his career.
He is the joint third-highest wicket taker in IPL history.
He was part of the Mumbai Indians in 2021, but didn't start any matches, and has also played for the Knight Riders, Punjab Kings and the Chennai Super Kings.
IPL suspended after Covid chaos
Covid-19 has run rampant in India, with former Test captain MS Dohni's parents taken to hospital during the course of the IPL.
Aussie cricket great Mike Hussey is the only one of the 38-strong Australian IPL contingent who has contracted Covid-19, meaning he is prevented from leaving the country.
India star Veda Krishnamurthy lost both her mother and sister due to the virus, while Chetan Sakariya lost his father.
Australians currently in India cannot come home until at least May 15 because the Morrison government has banned any Australian in India from returning until after that date.
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