Courtesy: Google
The global cricket community is mourning the tragic death of Arjun Menon, a prominent cricket official and former Singaporean national player, who was brutally murdered at his residence in Blantyre, Malawi, on May 10. Menon, aged 48, was serving as the operations manager for Cricket Malawi, a role he had held since 2020. During his tenure, he was instrumental in revitalising the sport across the nation, leading significant achievements such as the Malawi men's team’s runner-up finish in the 2024 T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier and overseeing the growth of youth cricket, especially in the women’s category.
Born and raised in Singapore, Menon’s cricketing journey began at Saint Patrick’s School. He went on to represent the Singapore national team as a wicketkeeper and later transitioned into coaching. His coaching stints took him across continents, including roles in Botswana, Chile, Indonesia, and his home country, Singapore. Among his notable achievements was leading the Singapore national team to a gold medal at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.
Tributes pour in from entire cricketing fraternity for late official
The news of Menon’s death has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Malawi National Council of Sports condemned the act, calling it a “heartless act of violence.” Local police have launched an investigation, though no arrests have yet been made. Tributes have poured in from cricketing bodies and colleagues around the globe. Cricket Malawi expressed its profound sadness, noting Menon’s role in “transforming the cricket landscape in Malawi” and mentoring countless young athletes.
Mahmood Gaznavi, president of the Singapore Cricket Association (SCA), remembered Menon as “a down-to-earth and measured man who used his knowledge to uplift both cricket and the underprivileged.” Gaznavi added that Menon was “more than a coach; he was a mentor and a beacon of hope for many.” The SCA, along with other international cricketing bodies, is calling for a thorough investigation and justice for the late official.
