The Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, has claimed the lives of 241 people, including 23-year-old cricketer Dirdh Patel. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI171), en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, impacting a nearby medical college complex. The incident has sent shockwaves through the academic and sporting communities.
Dirdh Patel was a student at the University of Huddersfield, where he had recently completed his Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence with top honors. His former professor, Dr. George Bargiannis, described him as an "exceptional individual" with a blend of "academic brilliance and human warmth." Dr. Bargiannis noted Patel's intellectual curiosity and his passion for making a positive impact on the world through his learning.
Beyond academics, Patel was a talented cricketer. He played for Leeds Modernians Cricket Club in the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League during the 2024 season as their overseas player. The club expressed deep sorrow over his loss, acknowledging his energy, dedication, and camaraderie. Patel had scored 312 runs and claimed 29 wickets for the 1st XI across 20 matches. A spokesperson for the league mentioned that Patel had plans to continue his cricket career after settling into a new job. His brother, Krutik, had also played for Pool Cricket Club.
The news of the tragedy has prompted emotional tributes from the cricketing world. Teams India, South Africa, and Australia wore black armbands and observed a minute's silence to honor the victims during the World Test Championship final at Lord's. The Indian team, engaged in an intra-squad game in Beckenham, also paid their respects, with players and support staff wearing black armbands. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared images of the tribute on social media, expressing solidarity with the affected families.
In addition to the international cricket community, local leagues and teams have also paid homage. Players from the South Central Maratha Royals and SoBo Mumbai Falcons observed a minute's silence ahead of the T20 Mumbai League final. The International Hockey Federation also expressed condolences, with teams from India and Argentina observing a silent tribute before their FIH Pro League clash.
The crash is under investigation by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with assistance from teams from the U.S. and the U.K. Both black boxes, the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), have been recovered and are being analyzed to determine the cause of the crash.
The aftermath of the crash has been challenging, with authorities working to identify the victims through DNA matching. As of June 16, 2025, 99 victims had been identified, and 64 bodies, including that of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, had been handed over to their families. Air India has been instructed to conduct additional safety checks on its Boeing Dreamliner fleet.
