Cricket, condolences, and the human heart
After his team lost to Sri Lanka on Thursday and exited the Asia Cup, Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi was dragging his coffin-sized kit bag towards the team bus when a few Bangladeshi journalists broke the news to him: "[Dunith] Wellalage's father has passed away. He suffered a heart attack during the match." The Afghan all-rounder was stunned.
Later, the 40-year-old expressed his condolences on social media.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father.
Stay strong Brother pic.twitter.com/d6YF2BhlnV— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) September 18, 2025
Nabi's name comes up in particular because, during the very same match, he had given Wellalage an agonising time. The left-arm spinner, brought on to bowl the final over of Afghanistan's innings, completely lost his rhythm, and the experienced Nabi smashed him for five sixes. Earlier, Wellalage had also dropped a simple catch off Nabi.
Who could have known that at the end of the match he would be dealt the worst news of his life? The Sri Lankans were walking off the field after beating Afghanistan in a thrilling chase. Wellalage, still padded up because he was next in to bat, came down to the ground to exchange courtesies with the opponents.
But once the Sri Lankan manager received the news, he pulled Wellalage aside, placed a hand on his shoulder and told him to stay strong. Captain Charith Asalanka stood by his side. On the very field where he was already embarrassed by his performance, a young man was told of his father's death.
Some of the Sri Lankan players' family members had also come to watch the game, and a Lankan journalist described the entire situation to them. Even on a night of victory, a strange, heavy atmosphere settled over everyone. Senior Sri Lankan journalist Rex Clementine later confirmed from Colombo that the tragic incident had occurred during the innings break itself.
Suranga Wellalage was only 54. He himself played cricket but, for various reasons, never made it to the top level. Yet he was the chief architect behind turning his son, Dunith, into a cricketer. Dunith is just 22 now -- one can guess what must be going on in his heart, but truly comprehending it is impossible. Unless one goes through such a crushing moment, it cannot be fully understood.
From Dubai, the Bangladesh team were also watching the Sri Lanka-Afghanistan match. The news reached them quickly as well. Captain Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed posted messages of condolence.
As it was such a personal and sensitive matter, the Sri Lankan team declined to speak about it at the press conference. They had already requested that no one ask questions about the tragedy.
Sometimes, life's stories intrude onto the cricket field in such a way that they transcend rivalry and touch everyone.
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