Safwan Shanu, who had spent 15 years building his life in the UAE, is survived by his wife, three sons, and a daughter who was born just four months ago.
Hundreds of community members, relatives, and friends gathered at Al Qusais Cemetery following Asr prayers on Monday to bid farewell to Mohammed Safwan Shanu, a 38-year-old Dubai resident who collapsed during a routine cricket match. His parents had travelled from India to attend the final rites.
A native of Bhatkal in Karnataka, Safwan had lived in the UAE for 15 years and built his life there. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and a daughter who was born just four months ago. His elder brother also resides in Dubai and works for a private company.
Friends said that Safwan spent Saturday evening at Dubai’s Waterfront Market buying fish and groceries before heading into his usual Sunday morning cricket game—a weekly routine he had maintained for years with close friends.
At around 7:10am on Sunday, Safwan collapsed on the pitch while batting during a routine cricket match. Fellow players immediately rushed to his aid and called for an ambulance.
His close friend Nabeel Karikal, who was present on the field, said the group had been playing cricket every Sunday morning for years as part of their regular routine.
He added that Safwan had been in good spirits just a day earlier. On Saturday evening, they had visited Dubai’s Waterfront Market together to buy fish and groceries, and the next morning they even travelled in the same car to the ground, with everything appearing normal before the incident.According to Nabeel, Safwan suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness while batting. He said players immediately called an ambulance and attempted CPR before Safwan was rushed to hospital, where doctors later declared him dead on arrival.
The sudden passing of the well-known community cricketer drew hundreds of friends and well-wishers to his funeral at Al Qusais Cemetery.
Safwan had lived in Dubai for nearly 15 years, working for a private firm for around eight years before starting his own business. Friends said cricket remained one of his greatest passions outside work.
Muniri Atiqur Rahman, a leader of the Nawayath community in Dubai who had known Safwan since childhood, described him as a man remembered as much for his character as for his cricket.
He said Safwan had a rare ability to make people feel like family, adding that his humility, sincerity, and warmth earned him deep respect across the community. He also noted that Safwan treated everyone with kindness and dignity, regardless of age or background.
Friends added that Safwan had captained several teams in the UAE and had won multiple player-of-the-match awards and tournament honours over the years.
Fellow cricketer Mohtasim Jakti, who knew him since childhood, described him as one of the finest batsmen from their hometown of Bhatkal, where cricket is widely played and deeply valued. He said they grew up playing together long before entering league cricket, and called Safwan’s death a major loss to the community.
As news of his passing reached India, his parents expressed a strong desire to travel to Dubai for the funeral but initially faced visa challenges. Relatives Hifzur Rahman Halwaldar and Abrar Qazi helped expedite the visa process and arrange travel so they could attend their son’s final rites.
Friends remember Safwan not only for his achievements on the cricket field, but also for his warmth and lifelong love for the game that shaped much of his life—from the streets of Bhatkal to the grounds of Dubai.
