Veteran Umpire Dies from Bee Attack at Youth Cricket Match

A 65-year-old veteran cricket umpire died after a swarm of bees attacked players and officials during an under-13 match in Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh, on February 18, 2026, police and witnesses reported. Manik Gupta, a longtime member of the Kanpur Cricket Association, succumbed to multiple stings while being rushed to a hospital in Kanpur.

The incident unfolded at Sapru Maidan in the Shuklaganj area during a routine league game between teams from Kanpur and Lucknow. Around 40 to 50 people, including young players, umpires, and ground staff, were present when the bees descended from a hive in a nearby banyan tree adjoining the boundary wall. Eyewitnesses described multiple waves of attacks starting early that morning, with the most intense swarm striking about 8:30 a.m. during a drinks break.

Gupta, who had officiated matches for nearly 30 years as a state panel umpire, had just finished his assignment and was chatting with a fellow umpire when the bees swarmed. "His match had ended, and his fellow umpire was umpiring in a separate match. Manik went to him during the drinks break. They were both having tea, and a swarm of bees came from behind and attacked everyone present,"...