Vikas Malhotra: Queens to honour popular clubman at memorial service - and beyond

The “devastated” family of Vikas Malhotra is still coming to terms with his shock death as the Gold Coast cricket community prepares a touching tribute to the popular Queens veteran.

THE “devastated” family of Vikas Malhotra is still coming to terms with his shock death as the Gold Coast cricket community prepares a touching tribute to the popular Queens veteran at Thursday’s memorial service.

Malhotra, who would have turned 43 today, was yesterday farewelled by close friends and family at his funeral, just three days after a heart attack during a third grade game against Surfers Paradise killed him.

Tomorrow, a memorial will be held at Guru Maneyo Granth Gold Coast Gurdwara, a Sikh temple at Helensvale, from 3-6pm.

Gold Coast cricketer Vikas Malhotra, who died of a heart attack on Saturday. Picture: Jodie Henderson

MALHOTRA PASSING A REMINDER OF CRICKET’S BIGGER PICTURE

There, a large contingent of Malhotra’s clubmates will wear Queens shirts, custom bandannas featuring the words 71 not out and take their bats to form a guard of honour.

Malhotra on Saturday smashed 71 not out for the Centaurs, who he joined in 1997 and for whom his two sons, aged 10 and 13, also play.

A close friend of Malhotra and wife Debi who asked not to be named said his death had rocked the family but the support from all who knew him had been overwhelming.

“Everyone is devastated. It’s very emotional because everything is so unexpected,” she said.

“It’s such a young family, it’s very devastating. The boys are 10 and 13 … and they’re just taking it in.

“There’s a lot of friends and family supporting (Debi) through this and I know there’ll be a lot of people coming for the memorial on Thursday. We’re all here to support her.

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“We wanted to have the funeral prior to (Vikas’) birthday and his memorial after. We didn’t want to do anything on his birthday.

“His friends from cricket came to the funeral – they were devastated – because some of them have known him for 22 years. He played his first match on the same ground where he eventually died.

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Memorial service details for Gold Coast cricketer Vikas Malhotra

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“(Cricket) was a huge part of his life.”

Tomorrow’s memorial plans are among a number of initiatives Queens have launched to honour Malhotra’s memory.

The Centaurs’ third grade side will hold a service before Saturday’s game against Palm Beach Currumbin at Dux Oval, while the club has teamed with Malhotra’s employer, Sheraton Mirage, to organise a family fundraiser.

Queens officials also plan to speak with Gold Coast City Council about erecting a shelter at Dux Oval named after the popular Indian, with the club already committed to helping his sons continue playing at Greg Chaplin Oval.