A talented Keighley sportsman has collapsed and died suddenly at his home aged just 39.

Nassir Kamal, of Skipton Road, who was married with four daughters, had been captain of Riddlesden Cricket Club.

His younger brother, Imran, said the family had been left “shocked and devastated” by Nassir’s sudden death.

“He was fantastic – he was so friendly to everyone,” he said.

“No one had a bad word to say about him and he always had time for people.

“He was humble, always smiling, and very mild mannered. He would never get angry, even in competitive situations.”

He added the coroner has said his brother suffered acute heart failure.

Nassir died on the morning of December 16, shortly after complaining of chest pains and feeling short of breath.

Speaking last Thursday, his father, Sarwar, said: “He was not just my son, he was my friend.”

Nassir Kamal was born in Azad Kashmir but was brought to the UK when he was ten months old. He was a pupil at Greenhead School, now University Academy Keighley.

He used to work at his family’s takeaway business in Bradford Street, but latterly was working for Metro Keighley Taxis.

As well as his brother, he also leaves behind two sisters. His mother, Zatoon Kamal, died in 2004.

Nassir was a keen cricketer, who could bat, bowl and keep wicket. He played for Riddlesden but had also represented Keighley Cricket Academy and Keighley Young Muslims.

Imran said his brother had been very healthy and active, and played five-a-side-football, snooker and badminton. But he said he would be particularly remembered for his passion for cricket.

Sarwar said on one occasion Nassir trained alongside top international cricketers Wasim Akram, Shahid Afridi and Waqar Younis. He said his son was happy to give up his time to coach younger players.

Nassir’s funeral at Keighley’s Emily Street Mosque last Tuesday was attended by hundreds of people. His burial took place in Utley Cemetery.