Indian Umpire Dies After Bee Attack During Match amid T20 World Cup 2026

February 19, 2026: Cricket witnessed a tragic incident in Shuklaganj, Unnao, Uttar Pradesh when a bee attack during a local match led to the death of an umpire. Several cricketers were also injured in the sudden attack and are now receiving treatment. The shocking incident took place in the middle of the game and left players and spectators in panic.

What Exactly Happened?

On Wednesday, a cricket match between two local clubs was being played in Shuklaganj. The match started on time. The umpires for the game were Manik Gupta and Jagdish Sharma.

As the match went on, a swarm of bees suddenly attacked the field. Many players quickly ran away to protect themselves. However, the elderly umpires could not escape in time. The bees stung them continuously for several minutes.

കാൺപൂരിൽ ക്രിക്കറ്റ് മത്സരത്തിനിടെ തേനീച്ചക്കൂട്ടത്തിന്‍റെ ആക്രമണം: അമ്പയർക്ക് കുത്തേറ്റ് ദാരുണാന്ത്യം; നിരവധി പേർക്ക് പരുക്ക്https://t.co/WzzELgwimv#UttarPradesh #Kanpur #BeeAttack #kairalinews

— Kairali News (@kairalinews) February 19, 2026

Both umpires fell sick on the ground after repeated bee stings. They were rushed to a private hospital in Unnao. Doctors later declared 65-year-old Manik Gupta dead. The other umpire, Jagdish Sharma, is in critical condition and is still under treatment.

Why Did the Bees Attack?

According to reports, there is a forest area near the ground where the bees had built a hive. It is believed that the hive broke suddenly, which made the bees aggressive. The white clothes worn by the umpires may have attracted the bees. The swarm then surrounded them and started stinging.

The incident has shocked the local cricket community.