Former Karnataka cricketer SL Akshay dies after heart attack during league match

SL Akshay from the Bengaluru team passed away following a heart attack when he was playing in a league match. The KSCA conveyed their condolences on his passing. This event had rocked the cricket world. It took place while the player was participating in the Nassur Memorial Shield one day league match at the SLS ground in Bommasandra. Akshay was playing for Bharat Cricket Club against Sapphire Cricket Club in the third division league match.

After bowling four overs, he began feeling uneasy while fielding in the slip area. Reports indicate that he left the field to rest. It is reported that he drank water and ate a banana in the pavilion. He collapsed while sitting near the boundary line. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but passed away on the way.

Terrible terrible news for the cricket community. SL Akshay, 39, a fast bowler, whom I saw from close quarters from his U19 days has passed away today while playing a division match.
Just don’t have words to express my grief. A soft spoken guy who played for Karnataka in 2011/12… pic.twitter.com/AgX34j4GPw

expand_more Read More

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) May 24, 2026

Akshay's death has deeply shocked the cricket world. Many former players and officials have expressed their grief. Former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh shared a post on social media, writing, "Extremely sad news for the cricket world. 39-year-old fast bowler SL Akshay, whom I have followed closely since his Under-19 days, passed away today while playing a division match."

Akshay had played six first-class matches and represented Karnataka in three List A matches. He also played nine T20 matches. He also participated in the Karnataka T20 League, now known as the Maharaja T20 League. Akshay has 18 wickets in first-class cricket, and 6 in List A cricket. He also has 8 wickets in T20 cricket.

Akshay made his first-class debut against Saurashtra in Bengaluru in 2011, but did not play a match after December 2012. He made his List A debut in 2010 and played his last match in 2013. He has not played a match in any format of domestic cricket since 2013.