Promising cricketer among those dead in Ahmedabad Air India crash

Dubai: A young Indian-origin cricketer from England was among the victims who died in the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad recently.

Dirdh Patel, who recently completed his Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, studied at the University of Huddersfield.

The 23-year-old originally from Gujarat was a talented all-rounder and played as the overseas player for Leeds Modernians Cricket Club during the 2024 season.

According to the BBC, Dirdh Patel's former lecturer, Dr George Bargiannis, said: "Dirdh was someone I came to know not just for his academic abilities, but for his warmth, passion, and enthusiasm."

The club said they were "incredibly saddened" by the news of his death.

“The League is extremely sad to learn of the death of Dirdh Patel of Leeds Modernians CC in yesterday’s Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. He is the brother of Krutik Patel, formerly of Pool CC,” the league said.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Dirdh's family and everyone who knew him," it said.

“Dirdh was the overseas player for Leeds Modernians CC in 2024, scoring 312 runs and taking 29 wickets for the 1st XI in 20 matches, whilst completing his Masters degree during the year. It was his intention to register as an Overseas Born English Resident player once settled into his new job.

“Leeds Modernians have confirmed that they will be holding a minute’s silence before their 1st and 2nd team matches this weekend. The League is thinking of the Krutik and the Patel family at this very sad and difficult time.”