Former Punjab Kings Cricketer Amanpreet Singh Gill Passes Away at 36
A Tragic Loss for the Punjab Cricket Fraternity
The world of Indian cricket was struck by profound sadness this week as news broke of the untimely passing of former Punjab cricketer and selection committee member, Amanpreet Singh Gill. At just 36 years old, the fast bowler’s death has sent shockwaves through the sport, leaving former teammates and fans in a state of deep grief.
Amanpreet Singh Gill passed away on Wednesday, May 6. Born in September 1989 in Chandigarh, he was a well-known figure within the regional cricket ecosystem, having contributed significantly both as a player and, more recently, as an administrator for the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA).
The Punjab Cricket Association issued an official statement expressing their sorrow: “Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and Member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time.”
A Promising Career and Domestic Contributions
Amanpreet Singh Gill was a name synonymous with grit during his youth. He first rose to prominence as part of the India Under-19 setup in the mid-2000s. A standout performance during his career came in July 2007, when he toured Sri Lanka for an U19 Tri-series featuring India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
During that series, Amanpreet played alongside future icons of the sport, including Virat Kohli and Manish Pandey. He proved his mettle by taking nine wickets across five matches. Notably, he delivered a match-winning spell of 2-14 against Bangladesh in the final in Colombo, helping India secure a dominant 129-run victory.
In the domestic circuit, Amanpreet represented Punjab in six first-class matches between the 2006-07 and 2008-09 Ranji Trophy seasons. He was also signed by the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) during the early, formative years of the Indian Premier League, serving as a testament to his reputation as a talented pace prospect.
Reflecting on a Life Devoted to the Game
Beyond his playing days, Amanpreet remained deeply committed to the growth of cricket in his home state. By serving on the senior selection committee for Punjab, he helped nurture the next generation of talent, ensuring that his experience and tactical understanding of the game were passed on to younger players.
The news of his passing occurred on the same day as the Punjab Kings’ away fixture against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2026. Given the tight-knit nature of the IPL community, tributes were expected to be paid during the match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, with players likely donning black armbands to honor their former teammate and domestic colleague.
The Cricket Community Pays Tribute
The outpouring of grief across social media has been immense. Fans who watched him during his domestic tenure and those who followed his journey from the U19 days have expressed their condolences, highlighting his dedication to the sport. As the cricket fraternity continues to process this heavy loss, the focus remains on supporting his family during this incredibly difficult time.
The final rites were scheduled to take place at the Manimajra Cremation Ground in Chandigarh on the evening of his passing. The legacy of Amanpreet Singh Gill—a young man who carried the dreams of many aspiring cricketers—will undoubtedly be remembered by those who had the privilege of playing alongside him or working under his guidance in the selection committee.
As we remember Amanpreet, the sport of cricket is reminded once again of the fragility of life. His contributions, from his early days in Sri Lanka to his administrative roles in Chandigarh, remain a testament to a life lived in service to the game he loved.
