South African bowler Mondli Khumalo hospitalised after assault in UK

South African cricketer Mondli Khumalo has been admitted to the hospital after he was assaulted outside a pub in the United Kingdom.

Khumalo, who represented South Africa in the Youth World Cup 2020, was present in the United Kingdom to attend his first overseas duty as a professional for the North Petherton Cricket Club in the UK.

The incident took place on Saturday night when the youngster was at the pub in Bridgewater to celebrate his team's victory last weekend.

According to the information, Khumalo was found in an unconscious state before the medical team arrived on the spot. Later on, it was revealed that Khumalo suffered internal bleeding in his brain and was in an induced coma at the Southmead Hospital.

On Monday, Jason Sathiaseelan, the Chief executive of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Inland, the club with whom Khumalo is contracted, provided positive news to the media and said that Khumalo is now in a stable state.

"He had surgery yesterday and the surgeon has reported that the operation was as successful as it could be. Mondli is in an induced coma, but the surgeon is positive that he can recover from this," Sathiaseelan told Club Cricket SA.

The club also acknowledged and addressed the situation by putting out a press release.

"We extend our heartfelt support to Mondli for a full and speedy recovery. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and colleagues in South Africa. Our thanks to those that helped Mondli, especially the health service staff on scene and at the hospital," North Petherton Cricket Club's statement read.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Khumalo's agent Rob Humphries said that they are currently working on obtaining a visa for his mother to enter into the UK.

"Mondli is such a gentle guy. His mom just can't understand how something like this could have happened to him," Humphries informed. "And everyone at North Petherton just adores him. He is a genuinely lovely kid. He was having a really good time here. He had bowled really well and he had become such a wonderful part of the club."