The 28-year-old was in an induced coma with a fractured skull and serious internal injuries. PHOTO: AFP
The 28-year-old was in an induced coma with a fractured skull and serious internal injuries.
The attack came just days before the talented batsman was to take up a lucrative Indian Premier League contract.
Ryder has a history of disciplinary lapses and alcohol-related incidents, but although he had been drinking before the early morning assault, police said alcohol was not a factor.
Detective senior sergeant Brian Archer said there was a brief altercation involving Ryder and ‘two or three’ people when he stepped outside the bar. Ryder then crossed the road to a nearby fast-food outlet where he was attacked.
“The hospital advises he is in a critical condition,” said Archer. “He is in an induced coma as a result of suffering multiple injuries.”
Police believed there were at least 10 witnesses, one of whom, Emma-Louise Ferguson, told The New Zealand Herald it was ‘unbelievably brutal’.
Ryder, who last played for New Zealand a year ago, was due to fly to India this weekend to compete for the Delhi Daredevils, who paid US$260,000 for his services at an auction.
“We are all shocked by what has occurred and extremely concerned for Ryder,” said New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White. “New Zealand Cricket’s thoughts are with him and his family.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 29th, 2013.
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