Sri Lankan Cricket Coach Dies After Fight With Players

News cricket Sri Lankan Cricket Coach Dies After Fight With Players

Sri Lankan Cricket Coach Dies After Fight With Players

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Last Updated: August 13, 2026, 20:06 IST

Sri Lankan cricket coach Sumith Fernando, 62, died after an altercation with players at a Colombo club. A 17-year-old has been arrested.

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Sumith Fernando, a 62-year-old cricket coach in Sri Lanka, has died following an altercation with players at a cricket club in Colombo. He coached several prominent school cricketers, including Sri Lanka national ODI captain Kusal Mendis. His funeral was held on Thursday.

Fernando, a former coach at Prince of Wales College in Moratuwa, was taken to Colombo National Hospital after the incident at Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club on August 8. He died while undergoing treatment on August 10.

Police arrested a 17-year-old school cricketer on Monday in connection with the incident. After being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on August 11, the boy was ordered to remain under the care of the Department of Probation and Childcare Services until August 17.

According to preliminary investigations, a group of cricketers undergoing training at Bloomfield had gone to a water tap but found that there was no water available. An argument subsequently broke out between the players and Fernando, who was employed by the club.

Police said Fernando allegedly attempted to assault one of the players during the confrontation, after which the 17-year-old reportedly struck him. Fernando was subsequently taken to hospital.

However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. Medical records indicated that Fernando had a pre-existing heart condition, prompting authorities to conduct a post-mortem examination to determine whether his death was caused by the alleged assault or an underlying medical condition.

The Judicial Medical Officer reportedly returned an open verdict, while tissue samples have been sent to the Government Analyst for further examination, according to local media.

Fernando, a resident of Moratuwa, had a long association with cricket. Apart from coaching, he also served as the curator of Bloomfield Cricket & Athletic Club.

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Key Questions Answered Powered by Ask News18 What caused the coach's death? Sri Lankan cricket coach Sumith Fernando died after an altercation with players over drinking water during a cricket match in Colombo. He was taken to hospital after the incident and died while receiving treatment. Will the arrested player face charges? The 17-year-old school cricketer arrested in connection with the death of Sri Lankan cricket coach Sumith Fernando was ordered to remain under the care of the Department of Probation and Childcare Services until August 17. Powered by Ask News18

First Published: August 13, 2026, 19:51 IST

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