Dirdh Patel, a 23-year-old cricketer and recent University of Huddersfield graduate, was one of 240 people killed in the tragic accident of Air India Flight AI171 at Ahmedabad International Airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 241 people. Only one passenger escaped what is now regarded as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history.

Dirdh Patel, a Gujarati student with a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, was one among the passengers.

In addition to his academic studies, Patel was a member of the Leeds Modernians Cricket Club in the United Kingdom. As a foreign player in the 2024 season, I scored 312 runs and got 29 wickets in only 20 games. Dr George Bargiannis, a reader in artificial intelligence at the University of Huddersfield and one of Patel’s instructors, praised his late student.

“Mr Patel was someone I got to know not only for his academic skills, but also for his warmth, passion, and enthusiasm. Dirdh was an excellent person, always intellectually curious and coming to me in class with questions that demonstrated profound understanding and devotion. He had a strong understanding of the larger picture and how his study may lead to a positive change in the world.

His death is a tragic reminder of how fragile life can be. My sympathies are with his family, friends, classmates, and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. “May his memory continue to inspire those of us who had the privilege of being a part of his life,” Dr. Bargiannis said, as reported by the BBC.

Clubs observe minute of silence in tribute

Leeds Modernians Cricket Club, where Dirdh played during his short time in the UK, issued a statement and gave their heartfelt tribute. “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Dirdh’s family and everyone who knew him,” the club stated.

A spokesperson for the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League added that Patel had plans to continue playing cricket after starting his professional career. His brother, Krutik, who played for the Pool Cricket Club, was also remembered during the weekend matches as both clubs observed a minute’s silence in tribute.