By Burnett Munthali
Former Singapore national cricketer and revered coach Arjun Menon’s remarkable global journey came to a devastating and abrupt end on May 10, 2025, in Malawi.
At the time of his death, Menon was serving as the operations manager of Cricket Malawi, a role he had held since February 2020.
The 48-year-old had become a central figure in Malawi’s cricket development, dedicating his expertise to nurturing local talent and uplifting communities through sport.
In a statement released on May 11, Dr. Henry Kamata, chief executive officer of Malawi’s National Council of Sports, confirmed that Menon was “brutally murdered” at his residence.
He called for justice and urged Malawi’s law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the heinous act.
The news sent shockwaves through the international cricket fraternity, particularly in Singapore, where Menon began his cricketing career and remained a deeply respected figure.
Singapore Cricket Association (SCA) president Mahmood Gaznavi expressed his sorrow, saying that he was “deeply saddened” and indicated that “reports emerging from Malawi seem to indicate that his life was taken by very dubious people”.
A Facebook post by Nation Publications Limited, which owns The Nation newspaper in Malawi, stated that Menon was attacked by thugs in Blantyre.
The post further noted that Menon played a pivotal role in the recent international success of Malawi’s cricket program, which had earned three accolades at the Malawi Sport Awards.
Gaznavi, who last spoke to Menon approximately three months ago, remembered him as “a very, very down to earth and measured guy who had a lot of love for the game”.
He praised Menon’s character and commitment, highlighting how he used his knowledge and passion to uplift not just cricket players, but entire communities, especially the underprivileged.
Menon’s cricketing journey began in Singapore at St. Patrick’s School, where he first picked up a bat and gloves.
A talented wicket-keeper, he quickly rose through the ranks and represented Singapore at the youth level.
In 1996, he made his senior debut for Singapore against the United Arab Emirates during the Asian Cricket Council Trophy.
He would go on to earn four more caps for the national team before moving to Perth, Australia, where he completed his undergraduate studies in 2004 and began a new chapter as a coach.
Menon’s coaching journey spanned several countries and continents, including stints in Australia, India, Chile, Mozambique, Botswana, and Indonesia.
Between 2015 and 2020, he returned to Singapore to work with the SCA in multiple capacities, including game development manager and head coach.
Under his guidance, the Singapore national team achieved historic success in 2017, winning the Twenty20 gold medal at the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
It was the Republic’s first cricket title at the biennial regional games and marked a high point in Menon’s coaching career.
In a past interview with The Straits Times, Menon described the moment of singing the national anthem Majulah Singapura during the medal ceremony as “one of the proudest moments in my life”.
In 2021, after taking up the role in Malawi, Menon coached the national side at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier A.
Beyond his work on the field, Menon immersed himself in humanitarian work in Malawi, showing a deep concern for the well-being of the country’s most vulnerable.
In a 2021 interview, he recounted how a visit to the Maoni Orphanage in Malawi left a lasting impression on him.
He had joined a group of women from his social circle to deliver blankets and toys to the children at the orphanage.
There, he was confronted with the grim reality that 47 children lived in a dormitory with only five bunk beds, leaving the majority to sleep on thin mattresses on the floor.
The stark contrast between the orphanage and his own comfortable lifestyle troubled him deeply.
On his way home, Menon felt uneasy about returning to his king-size bed while 37 children would sleep on the floor that night.
He decided to take action and reached out to a group chat of his former schoolmates from St. Patrick’s, appealing for donations.
Thanks to their generosity, he was able to raise funds to purchase 30 bed frames and 50 mosquito nets, helping protect children from malaria—one of Malawi’s most persistent public health threats.
This episode highlighted Menon’s selflessness and desire to bring change beyond cricket—transforming lives through simple but impactful acts of kindness.
Following his tragic death, tributes have poured in from all over the world, especially from the Singapore cricket community.
In a heartfelt Facebook tribute, the SCA described Menon as a passionate ambassador of Singapore cricket, who always carried the national flag with pride wherever he went.
They emphasized that his legacy would live on through the many players he mentored and the communities he supported across continents.
The SCA also praised Menon as an embodiment of Singaporean values—excellence, humility, and service.
They affirmed that he would be dearly missed by family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to know him.
Menon’s death has left a deep void in both the global cricketing world and the communities he served so diligently.
As investigations continue in Malawi, there is a growing chorus of voices calling for justice for a man whose life was defined by purpose, passion, and compassion.
Arjun Menon may be gone, but his light continues to shine in the hearts of those he inspired, coached, and cared for.
His story is one of extraordinary dedication, human empathy, and a commitment to using sport as a tool for good.
May his legacy endure, and may his killers be swiftly brought to justice.
