Abu Dhabi curator Mohan Singh found dead ahead of T20 World Cup match

Hours ahead of Sunday’s T20 World Cup match in Abu Dhabi, it was revealed the venue’s head curator had tragically passed away.

The head curator of Sheikh Zayed Stadium in the United Arab Emirates died hours before New Zealand’s T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan at the Abu Dhabi venue on Sunday night (AEST).

Late last night reports emerged that Mohan Singh had been discovered dead in his room that morning.

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Abu Dhabi Cricket later confirmed in a statement: “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.

“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.”

Police are reportedly investigating the cause of death, which remains unknown.

An ICC spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, Abu Dhabi Cricket and everyone connected with the event.”

This year, Sheikh Zayed Stadium successfully hosted fixtures for the Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League and T20 World Cup.

Australia’s recent Super 12 matches against South Africa and the West Indies were played on wickets curated by Singh.

Cricbuzz reported that Singh had prepared the wicket for Sunday’s match between New Zealand and Afghanistan, which got underway hours after his body was found.

Singh previously worked as a ground supervisor at Mohali’s Punjab Cricket Stadium.

Very sad to learn that the head curator of the Sheikh Zayed Stadium passed away overnight. It was a very busy and successful year for Mohan Singh - PSL, IPL, a World Cup and everything inbetween. The runs continue to flow.

Our thoughts are with his family. #T20WorldCup#NZvAFGpic.twitter.com/XYbNXvhBGq

— 🏏FlashScore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) November 7, 2021

Former BCCI chief curator Daljit Singh told PTI: “He was a bight kid when he came to me. A very talented and hardworking person. He hailed from Garhwal and I also remember him as a family man. After he went to the UAE, he used to come visit every time he was in the country but I had not seen him for a while. Gone too soon and it is really tragic.”

New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by eight wickets to secure its place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals, knocking out India in the process.

Najibullah Zadran smacked 73 off 48 balls to help Afghanistan register a score of 8/124 in the first innings. Trent Boult was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/17 from his four overs.

But the Black Caps chased the target with 11 balls to spare, with skipper Kane Williamson scoring an unbeaten 40.