Agartala, Nov 1: Former Tripura Ranji team cricketer **Rajesh Banik** passed away on Friday night following a tragic road accident. According to sources, Banik was immediately rushed to **GB Pant Hospital** in Agartala but was **declared dead on arrival** by the attending doctors.
Sources said a brief **chaos ensued between the hospital authorities and family members** regarding the post-mortem procedure, but the issue was later amicably resolved. His mortal remains were subsequently brought to the **Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) office**, where officials, teammates, and sports enthusiasts gathered to pay their final tributes.
TCA Secretary **Subrata Dey**, while expressing deep sorrow, said, “He had been a very bright cricketer all his life. Apart from his achievements on the field, he was serving as a **junior team selector** for the association. His untimely demise has cast a shadow of grief over the entire cricketing fraternity of Tripura.”
Prominent sports enthusiast and **Tripura Football Association patron Ratan Saha** also expressed his condolences, saying, “I am extremely saddened by his untimely demise. Rajesh Banik’s contribution to sports in the state will always be remembered.”
According to cricketing circles, **Rajesh Banik was among Tripura’s most talented players**. He had represented **India in the Under-15 World Cup** and later played for the state in **Under-19, Under-23, and Elite First-Class cricket**. His consistent performances and leadership qualities earned him the **captaincy of the Tripura Ranji team** during his career.
Known for his discipline, sportsmanship, and commitment, Banik remained actively involved in nurturing young cricketing talent even after his retirement from active play. He is **survived by his elderly mother**.
The tragic loss of Rajesh Banik has left the sports community in Tripura in deep mourning, marking the end of a promising and inspiring cricketing journey.
