Ten years after his death, Sussex will commemorate the life of Umer Rashid at a ceremony at Hove this weekend.
Rashid was 26 when he died during Sussex’s pre-season tour to Grenada in April 2002. On a squad day off he visited Concord Falls, a popular tourist spot on the Caribbean island, with his brother Burhan and Burhan’s girlfriend. When Burhan got into difficulties swimming at the bottom of the falls, Umer tried to save him but both men drowned.
The rest of the Sussex touring party has been invited to a lunch, along with the Rashid family, on Sunday – the tenth anniversary of his death – during Sussex’s pre-season friendly against Hampshire.
Rashid had been with Sussex for three seasons at the time after starting his career at Middlesex and is fondly remembered for his friendliness as well as his impressive left-hand batting and slow-left arm bowling.
Sussex chief executive Dave Brooks said, “Remembering Umer and Burhan is always an important and emotional part of our pre-season, and none more so than this year on the 10th anniversary.
“It will be our pleasure to welcome their family and friends for what will hopefully be a very special day.”
Meanwhile, Sussex Sharks have continued their impressive form on their pre-season trip to Dubai. Having beaten Lancashire to win the Emirates t20 title, they defeated Durham Dynamos in a 40-over game.
Replying to the Dynamos’ 278 for 6, the Sharks won by three wickets with one ball remaining. After the early departure of Chris Nash, Luke Wells (25) and Ben Brown (47) both steadied the ship before Joe Gatting made 64. The momentum was maintained by Kirk Wernars (43), Andy Hodd (40) and Matt Machan (24) as Sussex reached 282 for 7.
The sides are now playing a two-day fixture in Dubai.
This article has brought back sad memories of this tragic accident in Grenada. I was working at the British High Commission at the time and supported Peter Moores and the Sussex team in the aftermath of the accident and helped with the repatriation of both Umer and Burhan to the UK. I recall the dignity of the Rashid family as they struggled to come to terms of losing both sons so far from home. It is a wonderful tribute by Sussex to commemorate the lives of Umer and Burhan on this 10 year anniversary and demonstrates what a fine family club they are.