NEW DELHI: Former Karnataka Ranji cricketer SL Akshay died on Sunday after reportedly suffering a heart attack while playing a local division cricket match in Bengaluru. The 39-year-old, who was from Shivamogga, had earlier represented Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy and also featured in the Karnataka Premier League, now called the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20.According to reports, Akshay was playing a third-division match at a ground in KR Puram. During fielding in the afternoon, he suddenly complained of chest pain. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared that he had been brought dead.Akshay’s death shocked the Karnataka cricket fraternity, with many former players and officials expressing grief. Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh shared an emotional message on X. “Terrible terrible news for the cricket community. SL Akshay, 39, a fast bowler, whom I saw from close quarters from his U19 days has passed away today while playing a division match,” he wrote. “Just don’t have words to express my grief. A soft spoken guy who played for Karnataka in 2011/12 with decent success, is no more. RIP Akshay.”The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also paid tribute to Akshay and remembered his role in developing young talent after his playing career. In a statement, KSCA said, “Akshay represented Karnataka with distinction at the first-class level and, even beyond his playing career, continued to serve the game with unwavering passion and dedication. As a junior-level coach, he played a pivotal role in nurturing and mentoring young cricketers, leaving an enduring impact on the development of cricketing talent in the State.”