Cricketer, 23, named as victim of Air India crash

Tributes have been paid to a student and keen cricketer who was killed in the Air India plane crash.

Dirdh Patel, 23, who studied at the University of Huddersfield, was one of 241 passengers and crew members who died when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner travelling from Ahmedabad to London crashed on Thursday.

Mr Patel completed an MSc in artificial intelligence at the university and played cricket for Leeds Modernians Cricket Club.

Dr George Bargiannis described his former student as an "exceptional individual" who had achieved the highest grade on his course.

Dr Bargiannis, a reader in artificial intelligence at the university's school of computing and engineering, said Mr Patel was "someone I came to know not just for his academic abilities, but for his warmth, passion, and enthusiasm".

"Dirdh was an exceptional individual, always intellectually curious, coming to me during classes with questions that showed deep understanding and commitment.

"He had a clear ability of seeing the bigger picture and how his learning could lead to making a positive impact in the world."

Dr Bargiannis said he had stayed in touch with Mr Patel after he graduated and added: "His loss is a devastating reminder of how fragile life can be.

"My thoughts are with his family, friends, fellow students, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. May his memory continue to inspire those of us who had the privilege of sharing a part of his life."

Mr Patel played for Leeds Modernians as their overseas player in 2024.

The club said they were "incredibly saddened" by the news of his death.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Dirdh's family and everyone who knew him," they added.

A spokesperson for the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League said Mr Patel, who was originally from Gujarat, had intended to continue playing the sport "once settled into his new job".

His brother Krutik previously played for Pool Cricket Club, they added, with both clubs holding a minute's silence before their respective matches at the weekend.

The plane Mr Patel had been travelling on crashed less than a minute after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The cause of the disaster is still unknown. Investigators have recovered the plane's black box as they work to find answers.

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