23-year-old Indian cricketer Dirdh Patel with 29 wickets from 20 games for this England club among 241 who died in Ahmedabad airplane crash

A 23-year-old cricketer, Dirdh Patel, was among the 241 passengers who died in Ahmedabad plane crash. Dirdh was onboard Air India 171 (Boeing 787-8 aircraft) which was bound for London.

Dirdh played for Leeds Modernians CC in 2024 as an overseas player in the Airedale & Wharfedale Senior Cricket League. He got an entry into their first XI and played 20 games, scoring 312 runs and taking 29 wickets.

The youngster did this whilst completing his Masters Degree in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Huddersfield. He intended to get settled into his new job and then register as an "Overseas Born English Resident player".

League's official statement

"The League is extremely sad to learn of the death of Dirdh Patel of Leeds Modernians CC in yesterday's Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. He is the brother of Krutik Patel, formerly of Pool CC," the league said in a statement last week.

"Leeds Modernians have confirmed that they will be holding a minute's silence before their 1st and 2nd team matches this weekend. The League is thinking of the Krutik and the Patel family at this very sad and difficult time."

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Tribute to Dirdh Patel

A reader in Artificial Intelligence at the unveristy's School of Computing and Engineering, Dr. George Bargiannis paid tribute to Dirdh who he believed was far-sighted and wanted to make a positive impact in the world.

“Dirdh was an exceptional individual, always intellectually curious, coming to me during classes with questions that showed deep understanding and commitment,” he told the BBC. “He had a clear ability of seeing the bigger picture and how his learning could lead to making a positive impact in the world.”

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“His loss is a devastating reminder of how fragile life can be. My thoughts are with his family, friends, fellow students, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. May his memory continue to inspire those of us who had the privilege of sharing a part of his life,” added Bargiannis who was in touch with Dirdh after he graduated.