Raymond van Schoor, Namibian cricketer, dies aged 25 after collapsing on pitch 

  • Raymond van Schoor suffered a stroke while batting for Namibia
  • The 25-year-old, a stalwart of Namibian cricket, died five days later
  • He first represented his country aged 17, and played 92 first class games
  • South African stars AB de Villiers and Vernon Philander pay tribute on Twitter

By Jonny Singer for MailOnline

Published: 03:37 EST, 21 November 2015 | Updated: 05:01 EST, 21 November 2015

A 25-year-old cricketer has died after suffering a stroke on the pitch during South Africa's domestic one-day tournament. 

Raymond van Schoor, who was playing for Namibia against Free State on Sunday, collapsed while batting in the fixture.

He was taken straight to hospital, where he was in critical condition with swelling on the brain, and died five days later.

Raymond van Schoor, who played for Namibia, died after collapsing on the pitch during a game last week

Raymond van Schoor, who played for Namibia, died after collapsing on the pitch during a game last week

The wicket-keeper batsman, who played 92 first class matches in his career, suffered a stroke while batting

The wicket-keeper batsman, who played 92 first class matches in his career, suffered a stroke while batting

The wicket-keeper batsman was 15 not out when he complained of dizziness during the 50-over game, which Namibia went on to win after he had retired hurt.

After taking a sip of water he stumbled into a team-mate's arms, and was then taken into intensive care by ambulance.

Van Schoor, one of the youngest players to play for Namibia, made his debut at the age of 17 in 2007, and went on to play 92 First Class matches, with an average of 27.40 and a career-best 157, scored against Bermuda in 2010.

Van Schoor, who made his debut aged 17, was one of the youngest ever players to represent Namibia

Van Schoor, who made his debut aged 17, was one of the youngest ever players to represent Namibia

He was the player of the tournament at the ICC World T20 Qualifiers in 2012, and averaged 27.40 in his career

He was the player of the tournament at the ICC World T20 Qualifiers in 2012, and averaged 27.40 in his career

He was the player of the tournament in the ICC World T20 Qualifiers three years ago, and was named Cricketer of the Year in his country in 2012. 

Cricket Namibia president Richard Frankle paid tribute to Van Schoor in a written statement announcing the tragic news.

'Raymond was a tremendous asset to Cricket Namibia and the national cricket team,' Frankle said. 'He was taken far too early from us. We however accept that Almighty God needed him to represent the heavenly angels! May his soul rest in peace!' 

There were further tributes from around the world of cricket, with South African internationals AB de Villers and Vernon Philander both posting on Twitter.

De Villiers wrote: 'Sad news about Raymond van Schoor! Thoughts and prayers with family, friends and teammates'

Philander echoed the sentiment: 'Sad news for the cricket family losing Raymond Van Schoor. My thoughts and prayers are with you family, friends and Namibian cricket. #RIP' 

 

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