The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) on Tuesday expressed profound grief and offered condolences following the sudden demise of its esteemed curator, Shiv Kumar. The tragic incident occurred in Kanpur, where Shiv Kumar suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while actively supervising the preparation of the wicket for the upcoming Nayudu tie, scheduled to commence from February 6.
Rajiv Shukla Mourns the Loss
Rajiv Shukla, the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), conveyed his heartfelt message, stating, "The passing away of Shiv Kumar is a great loss for the Indian cricket fraternity. He was an extremely experienced, honest, and dedicated professional. His work and contributions will be remembered for a long time. May God grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the grieving family to bear this sorrow."
A Legacy of Excellence in Pitch Crafting
Shiv Kumar was renowned as an exceptionally experienced, dedicated, and hardworking curator who devoted decades of service to Uttar Pradesh cricket. His expertise was instrumental in constructing numerous high-quality pitches at various cricket grounds across the state. These pitches earned widespread acclaim for their consistency, balance, and adaptability to all formats of the game, from Test matches to T20s.
In recent years, Shiv Kumar extended his skills internationally, undertaking pitch construction and consulting work for the Singapore Cricket Association. The pitch he prepared there received high praise from players, officials, and organisers, further cementing his reputation as a master of his craft.
Outpouring of Condolences
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association offered its heartfelt condolences to the departed soul and expressed its deepest sympathies to his family, relatives, and all well-wishers during this extremely difficult time. The loss has resonated deeply within the cricketing community, with several cricketers, including former players and officials from the Kanpur Cricket Association, also mourning his death.
This unfortunate event highlights the dedication and passion that individuals like Shiv Kumar bring to the sport, often working behind the scenes to ensure the quality and fairness of the game. His contributions have left an indelible mark on cricket in Uttar Pradesh and beyond, and his absence will be keenly felt by all who knew him and benefited from his expertise.
