Chief curator of Abu Dhabi stadium passes away hours before crucial T20 World Cup match

The chief curator of the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi passed away hours before the crucial World Cup match between New Zealand and Afghanistan that was played at the ground last afternoon.

Indian born Mohan Singh had been a curator at the Abu Dhabi stadium for almost two decades, also reportedly having worked with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief curator Daljit Singh.

The full facts of the death were still not known, but several international media outlets alleged that it was an act of suicide, with investigations underway.

The result of that match was not only crucial for eventual winners New Zealand and for Afghanistan, but also for India whose hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup hinged on the result of the game.
New Zealand were comfortable winners by eight wickets, taking the final semi-final spot, eliminating Afghanistan and India.

The Press Trust of India (PTI) in its report quoted an UAE cricket official who said that Singh had inspected the ground and the playing turf last morning.

We have come to know that he was very depressed for the past four months. The reason for it is not known and we don’t know if he was undergoing any counselling. Whether it is a death by suicide can only be ascertained once the local police authorities complete their investigations

"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," a senior official associated with tournament organisers told PTI.

"We have come to know that he was very depressed for the past four months. The reason for it is not known and we don't know if he was undergoing any counselling. Whether it is a death by suicide can only be ascertained once the local police authorities complete their investigations," the source was reported to have said.

While the ICC did not respond to an independent inquiry from the Daily Mirror by the time of going to print, they did issue a media release that acknowledged and condoled Mohan Singh’s family.

(SMD)