Sussex all-rounder Rashid drowns in swimming accident

Sussex all–rounder Umer Rashid, aged 26, drowned in Grenada during a pre–season Caribbean tour. His brother Burhan also drowned.

They died while swimming in a pool at the bottom of one of the many spectacular waterfalls on the island.

A statement from Sussex County Cricket Club read: "The club is in a state of shock after hearing of the tragic deaths of Umer Rashid, 26, and his brother Burhan.

"The two were involved in a drowning accident whilst on a day off in Grenada during a pre–season tour with Northamptonshire and Yorkshire.

"Umer was a great favourite with both staff and supporters alike and had been with Sussex since 1999.

"He will be sadly missed as a friend and a colleague and his talent, as a cricketer, was recently summed up by Chris Adams (Sussex captain), as follows: 'Umer is probably the most naturally gifted player on the staff who is capable of playing explosive innings and bowling match–winning spells with his left–arm spin'.

Southampton–born Rashid, a left–handed batsman and spin bowler, had been playing for Sussex in Grenada over the weekend.

Rashid made his Middlesex debut in 1995 and his former colleague Jason Pooley, now the county's second team coach, said the club was devastated at the news.

"He was a fun–loving boy and as he progressed as a cricketer he got more confident. He was a bubbly youngster."

Mr Pooley described how the squad were shocked by the news, particularly coming so soon after Surrey and England all–rounder Ben Hollioake was killed in Perth, Australia.

He said: "Obviously after what happened with Ben, a lot of the lads feel they have lost two close friends."

mfl