10 minutes of chaos: 65-year-old umpire dies in bee attack during cricket match in Uttar Pradesh
Times of India
by FAIZ RAHMAN SIDDIQUIFebruary 18, 2026
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A tragic incident occurred during a cricket match in Uttar Pradesh when a swarm of bees attacked players and umpires at the Sapru ground in Shuklaganj Unnao. Senior umpire Manik Gupta, 65, succumbed to his injuries after being stung severely by the bees. The attack lasted about 10 minutes, with Gupta and fellow umpire Jagdish Sharma wearing white clothing, making them targets of the swarm. Despite efforts to transfer him to multiple hospitals, including the Laxmipat Singhania Institute of Cardiology in Kanpur, doctors pronounced him dead.
Gupta was a seasoned umpire with over three decades of service on the KCA panel. He had been part of the KDMA league match between YMCC and Paramount when the bees descended. Several players and umpires were injured during the attack, underscoring the chaos and panic that ensued. Gupta’s death has shocked the cricketing community, particularly in Kanpur, where he was well-respected for his dedication to the sport.
KCA chairman Sanjay Kapoor described the incident as a “tragic loss” for the cricketing family. He emphasized Gupta’s commitment to umpiring and expressed solidarity with his bereaved family. The KCA has pledged support to Gupta’s family and plans to honor his memory through his last rites, which are scheduled for Thursday.
This rare and fatal bee attack highlights the unpredictable nature of outdoor events and the dangers faced by those working in such environments. While bees attacking in swarms is not uncommon, such incidents leading to a fatality are rare. The incident underscores the need for better safety measures during outdoor sports events, particularly in regions where such natural hazards are more prevalent.
For readers interested in world news and unusual incidents, this story serves as a
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/18/2026