Former Pakistan cricketer Riaz Sheikh dies of deadly coronavirus

Former Pakistan first-class cricketer Riaz Sheikh on Tuesday became the second professional player in the country to die because of suspected coronavirus, according to sources.

Sources claimed that Sheikh's family buried him in a hurry without waiting for health officials to ascertain the cause of his death.

Sheikh, 51, a leg-spinner who took 116 wickets in 43 first-class matches and was at one time considered for



national selection, died here early Tuesday morning.

"His family buried him in a haste this morning but his neighbours suspect he had contracted the COVID-19 and his family didn't want to get involved in the process outlined by the provincial government for patients who die from the virus," a well-informed source said.

"Riaz (Sheikh) was a diabetic but it is suspected he fell ill because of the coronavirus and was at home."