Malawian cricket is in mourning after the death of top official Arjun Menon on Saturday night.

A statement from the Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) said that the 48-year-old had been “brutally murdered” at his residence in Blantyre.

Local police in the Southern African nation are yet to issue a statement following Menon’s death.

Menon, a wicketkeeper who represented Singapore five times at senior level, was the operations manager of Cricket Malawi.

MNCS chief executive Dr Henry Kamata said Menon’s contributions to the sport were “immense and far-reaching” and that he had played a “pivotal role” in the growth and success of the national side.

“We strongly condemn this heartless act of violence and urge law enforcement authorities to pursue all leads to ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice,” Dr Kamata added in a statement posted on social media.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Arjun’s family, friends, the cricket community, and all those affected by this tragic loss.”

Menon had previously coached Singapore and also had stints in Chile, Botswana and Indonesia.

“Arjun was more than a coach; he was a mentor, leader, and an embodiment of Singaporean values of excellence, humility, and service,” a statement from the Singapore Cricket Association said.

“His legacy lives on in the players he shaped and the communities he uplifted across continents.”