The tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has claimed 241 lives, including that of a promising young cricketer, Dirdh Patel. The 23-year-old was among the passengers aboard Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which went down shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, en route to London, crashed into a nearby medical college complex, leaving only one survivor from the 242 people on board.
Who Was Dirdh Patel?
Dirdh Patel, originally from Gujarat, was pursuing his Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Huddersfield in the UK. A talented all-rounder on the cricket field, Patel had made a strong impression playing for Leeds Modernians Cricket Club during the 2024 season. He scored 312 runs and took 29 wickets in 20 matches for the club’s 1st XI all while balancing the demands of his postgraduate studies.
Leeds Modernians Cricket Club, where Patel was an overseas player, issued a heartfelt statement mourning his loss. They wrote, “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Dirdh’s family and everyone who knew him. His energy, talent, and spirit will be deeply missed.”
Airedale & Wharfedale Senior Cricket League also posted a tribute message which said, "The League is extremely sad to learn of the death of Dirdh Patel of Leeds Modernians CC in yesterday's Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad."
"He is the brother of Krutik Patel, formerly of Pool CC. Leeds Modernians have confirmed that they will be holding a minute's silence before their 1st and 2nd team matches this weekend. The League is thinking of the Krutik and the Patel family at this very sad and difficult time."
Ahmedabad Plane Crash update
Father of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, Pushkaraj Sabharwal, paid an emotional tribute to his son outside their residence in Mumbai's Powai on Tuesday. The grieving father, a retired senior official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), expressed his sorrow as the mortal remains of his son were brought home following the devastating Air India crash.
