KARACHI: Mohammad Zaryab, a 19-year-old Karachi cricketer and son of former Pakistan all-rounder Aamir Hanif, committed suicide after being ignored for selection in the Karachi Under-19 team.

According to media reports, Zaryab went into depression after being rejected by coaches who reportedly claimed the cricketer didn’t meet the selection criteria since he was over-aged.

Zaryab had recently played for the Karachi region in the Under-19 competition in Lahore but was forced to return home after picking up an injury. The team management then had assured the player that he would be selected again but was overruled for further selection with the officials claiming that he was overage.

A shell-shocked Aamir, who played five One-day Internationals between 1993 and 1995, made a passionate appeal on the social media by saying: “My son has departed, but please save the sons of other people. Zaryab was extremely hurt by the attitude of the coaches and hence chose to end his life since he was under tremendous stress following the rejection.”

Meanwhile, Salahuddin Ahmed Sallu, the former chief selector and PCB chairman’s advisor for southern region, expressed his deep shock at the tragic demise of Zaryab after attending the Namaz-i-Janaza of the deceased cricketer.

“Just can’t believe this that one can resort to take such a drastic step and end his life. I have known his father Aamir for many years. All of us at PCB, including the board chairman, are in a state of massive shock upon hearing the news,” Salahuddin, who also served for many years as the KCCA chairman of selectors, said.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2018