Former national cricketer Arjun Menon, who dedicated his life to the sport both as a player and a coach, tragically lost his life on May 10 in Malawi, where he had been serving as the operations manager of Cricket Malawi since February 2020. The 48-year-old was found murdered at his home in Blantyre, with reports indicating that he fell victim to an attack by thugs. Dr. Henry Kamata, CEO of Malawi’s National Council of Sports, condemned the violence and called for justice.
Mahmood Gaznavi, president of the Singapore Cricket Association (SCA), expressed profound sadness and described Menon as a humble and grounded individual with a significant impact on the sport and the lives of many. Menon played a crucial role in Malawi’s cricketing advancement, culminating in multiple awards at the Malawi Sport Awards.
Having begun his cricket career at St Patrick’s School, Menon represented Singapore at various levels, making his senior debut in 1996. His coaching career flourished from 2015 to 2020, and he made history in 2017 by leading Singapore to a gold medal in Twenty20 cricket at the SEA Games.
Menon’s contributions transcended cricket; his humanitarian efforts included supporting orphanages in Malawi, where he highlighted the dire living conditions of children and initiated fundraising efforts for better accommodations.
In a tribute on social media, the SCA reflected on Menon’s dedication to cricket development and his embodiment of Singaporean values of excellence, humility, and service. He will be remembered for the profound impact he made in cricket and the communities he touched across continents.
Menon’s passing is a stark reminder of the violence that can affect even those dedicated to fostering goodwill and development in sports. His legacy and contributions will continue to inspire many in the cricket community and beyond.