A 38-year-old Indian expatriate cricketer died after collapsing while batting during a weekly cricket match in Dubai, according to friends and local media reports.

Mohammed Safwan Shanu, a resident of Dubai for nearly 15 years, suddenly fell unconscious during a Sunday morning game. Teammates administered CPR and called an ambulance, but doctors later declared him dead after he was taken to hospital.

Safwan, who was originally from Bhatkal in India’s Karnataka state, was an active member of Dubai’s local cricket community. Friends said he had represented and captained several local teams and had won awards in community tournaments.

According to his close friend Nabeel Karikal, everything appeared normal before the incident. He said Safwan had shown no signs of illness or discomfort before collapsing during the match.

Friends said the weekly cricket game had been part of Safwan’s routine for years. He had spent the previous evening with friends and appeared to be in normal health, according to those who were with him.

The sudden death drew a large number of relatives, friends and community members to his funeral in Dubai. His parents travelled from India to attend the burial after family members and community contacts arranged urgent travel documents.

Safwan is survived by his wife, three sons and a four-month-old daughter. Friends and fellow players remembered him as a talented batter and a well-liked member of the community.

Local reports said the cause of death was confirmed as a heart attack.

Also Read: Heart Attack and Heart Failure Are Different Conditions, Doctors Say Early Care Is Essential