The sudden demise of former Australian cricketer and Karachi Kings’ head coach Dean Jones left the entire cricket fraternity in shock.
According to the reports, Jones had cardiac arrest in afternoon at a local hotel in Mumbai where he was busy in ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL)’s coverage for Star Sports.
The news took the cricket world by storm, current and former cricketers and his fans expressed grief on Twitter.
“I just wish this wasn’t true. So shocked and heartbroken to hear about the death of Dean Jones cannot believe this,” Kings’ captain and Pakistani cricketer Imad Wasim wrote in Twitter.
I just wish this wasn’t true. So shocked and heartbroken to hear about the death of Dean Jones😭 cannot believe this
— Imad Wasim (@simadwasim) September 24, 2020
Cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja was in complete shock after listening to the news regarding Jones’s demise.
In complete shock to hear about Dean Jones sad passing. One of a kind you were Deano and how lonely and helpless you must have felt on your own in that hotel room-a death we commentators fear the most, and likely to meet, helpless and gone in that hotel room…RIP my friend.
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) September 24, 2020
Pakistani captain in white-ball cricket Babar Azam was also shocked to hear the news of Jones’s demise.
No words are enough but extremely sad of the news of @ProfDeano demise. A kind soul, friend and teacher. My heart and prayers goes out to his family and friends in this difficult time. You will be missed coach. pic.twitter.com/lyODseJjOO
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) September 24, 2020
“Really shocking to me youu will be missed,” Mohammad Amir wrote.
really shocking to me u will b missed 😔 pic.twitter.com/fVD6MzZMHK
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) September 24, 2020
Indian cricket team’s skipper Virat Kohli also expressed sadness over the sudden death of former Australian cricketer.
Shocked to hear about the tragic loss of Dean Jones. Praying for strength and courage to his family and friends. 🙏🏻
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 24, 2020
David Warner, Cameron Delport, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Darren Lehmann, Sachin Tendulkar, Tom Moody, Wahab Riaz and many other cricketers wrote about the departed soul.
I can’t believe this news. So very sad to hear about this. Rip Deano, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Mc8h36gnWe
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) September 24, 2020
Absolutely heartbreaking and sad😢💔😢💔 Thinking of Jane and the whole Jones family🙏 pic.twitter.com/tKkDikGh0C
— Cameron Delport (@Cam12Delport) September 24, 2020
Really sad news on the demise of @ProfDeano ,our thoughts & prayers are with his wife,children & family. 💔 #RIPDeanJones
— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) September 24, 2020
😢❤️🙏 so sad. RIP legend and love to his family , our thoughts are with them all xxxx https://t.co/pLtolyDcZv
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) September 24, 2020
Absolutely heartbreaking news about Dean Jones passing away.
A wonderful soul taken away too soon. Had the opportunity to play against him during my first tour of Australia.
May his soul rest in peace and my condolences to his loved ones. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/u6oEY1h7zz— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 24, 2020
Speechless with the tragic news of the passing of my great mate and beloved cricketing man.
You will be sorely missed by your cricketing family, sincere condolences to Jane and the girls. #RIP #Deano— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) September 24, 2020
Shocked to hear the news regarding the passing of Dean Jones. He really loved Pakistan cricket and was an amazing man. Thoughts with his family at this difficult time.
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) September 24, 2020
It is pertinent to mention here that Jones played 52 Tests, 164 ODIs for Australia from 1984 to 1994. After proving his mettle while playing, the legendary Australian cricketer took coaching and later on commentary. He also joined Pakistan Super League (PSL) since the first season in 2016 and coached two-time tournament winners for four consecutive years.
In the fifth PSL’s edition, Jones joined Karachi Kings which finished in topfour of the event. Unfortunately, the knock-out stage of the event was postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan. He was due to join the Kings’ squad after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced to conduct PSL 5 play-offs in Mid-November.