Dirdh Patel, a 23-year-old cricketer who just finished his MSc in Artificial Intelligence, was one of the 274 people who lost their lives in a tragic Air India plane crash last week. The flight, AI 171, which was a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, went down shortly after leaving Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. Officials stated that the plane lost altitude just after takeoff around 1:30 pm.
Dirdh was among the passengers and crew on the flight that was headed from Ahmedabad to London. The Airedale & Wharfedale Senior Cricket League expressed their sadness over his passing, sharing that he played for Leeds Modernians CC and was the brother of Krutik Patel, who used to play for Pool CC.
In 2024, Dirdh played as an overseas player for Leeds Modernians CC, where he scored 312 runs and took 29 wickets in 20 matches while also completing his Master’s degree. He had plans to register as an Overseas Born English Resident player once he settled into his new job.
Leeds Modernians confirmed they will hold a minute’s silence before their matches this weekend in honor of Dirdh. The league is sending their thoughts to the Patel family during this difficult time.
Dirdh studied at the University of Huddersfield, where he earned his MSc in artificial intelligence. Dr. George Bargiannis, a faculty member at the university, remembered Dirdh as someone who was always curious and engaged in class, often asking insightful questions. He noted that Dirdh had a talent for understanding how his studies could help make the world a better place.
Dr. Bargiannis kept in touch with Dirdh after he graduated and reflected on the tragic loss: “His passing reminds us how fragile life can be. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the fortune to know him. May his memory inspire those of us who shared a part of his life.