Mumbai, Nov 27 (IANS): The Board of Control for cricket in India (BCCI) Thursday expressed its deepest condolences to the family and friends of late batsman Phillip Hughes who died after being struck on the head by a bouncer.

"On behalf of the BCCI, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Phillip Hughes who passed away, days before he turned 26, and left an indelible mark on the cricketing community," BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said in a statement.

He acknowledged his contribution for the game saying the 25-year-old will be missed by the cricketing community.

"A fine cricketer who possessed the talent and temperament to have a long and fruitful international career has been snatched by a cruel twist of fate," he said.

"As a member of the Australian cricket team which toured India recently, he brought immense joy to the cricket fans of our country and would be missed for time immemorial by the cricketing community of the world. May his soul rest in peace."