Agartala, Nov 1: Former Tripura Ranji team cricketer Rajesh Banik passed away on Friday night following a tragic road accident. According to sources, Banik was immediately rushed to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala but was declared dead on arrival by the attending doctors.
Sources said a brief chaos ensued between the hospital authorities and family members regarding the post-mortem procedure, but the issue was later amicably resolved. His mortal remains were subsequently brought to the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) office, where officials, teammates, and sports enthusiasts gathered to pay their final tributes.
TCA Secretary Subrata Dey, while expressing deep sorrow, said, “He had been a very bright cricketer all his life. Apart from his achievements on the field, he was serving as a junior team selector for the association. His untimely demise has cast a shadow of grief over the entire cricketing fraternity of Tripura.”
Prominent sports enthusiast and Tripura Football Association patron Ratan Saha also expressed his condolences, saying, “I am extremely saddened by his untimely demise. Rajesh Banik’s contribution to sports in the state will always be remembered.”
According to cricketing circles, Rajesh Banik was among Tripura’s most talented players. He had represented India in the Under-15 World Cup and later played for the state in Under-19, Under-23, and Elite First-Class cricket. His consistent performances and leadership qualities earned him the captaincy of the Tripura Ranji team during his career.
Known for his discipline, sportsmanship, and commitment, Banik remained actively involved in nurturing young cricketing talent even after his retirement from active play. He is survived by his elderly mother.
The tragic loss of Rajesh Banik has left the sports community in Tripura in deep mourning, marking the end of a promising and inspiring cricketing journey.
