Namibian cricketer Raymond van Schoor passes away aged 25

New Delhi: Namibian batsman Raymond van Schoor passed away on Friday, five days after he collapsed whilst playing for Namibia in Windhoek. He was 25.

Last Sunday, he collapsed during a CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge, pool B match against Free State at Wanderers Cricket Ground, Windhoek. The right-hand batsman retired hurt after making 15 runs off 16 balls, while chasing a target of 241 and was immediately hospitalized.

The President of Cricket Namibia, Richard Frankle issued the following statement:

"It is with deep regret and sorrow that I announce the passing of Raymond van Schoor at 19h17 Namibian time on Friday the 20th November 2015. On behalf of Cricket Namibia, I express my most sincere condolences to the entire Van Schoor and La Cock families. Raymond was a tremendous asset to Cricket Namibia and the National Cricket Team."

"He was taken far too early from us. We however accept that Almighty God needed him to represent the Heavenly Angels! May his soul rest in peace!"

On Thursday, it was confirmed that van Schoor had suffered a “mild stroke”, but his condition has worsened since, with Cricket Namibia stating: “We would like to update you on Raymond’s condition. His condition has deteriorated. We ask you all to pray for Ray and the family.”

CEO of Cricket Namibia had said that “[He was taken] straightaway to the hospital. He was admitted and then he went for scans and yesterday he was admitted in the ICU because there was some swelling on the brain.

“It was hot and we all assumed it was because of dehydration and the heat. Therefore, we rushed him straight to the hospital because we didn't know what was the case. It was only after they'd done the scans that they realised he suffered a mild stroke in the brain.”

Nicolaas Scholtz, who was batting with van Schoor in that ill-fated match, said that his team-mate had complained of dizziness and asked for water.

“He took a sip or two and the next moment he stumbled over. I caught him in my arms," Scholtz added.

Van Schoor has previously captained Namibia’s Under-15 team, and was one of the youngest players to represent Namibia.