Cricketer Phillip Hughes’ planned state funeral cancelled

Sydney: New South Wales state premier Mike Baird says a planned state funeral for fallen cricket star Phillip Hughes has been called off. Hughes died on November 27, two days after being struck by a short-pitched ball during a domestic first class match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He was 25.

More than 5,000 people, including former Australia teammates and players from around the world, attended a funeral service in Hughes' hometown of Macksville, New South Wales last Wednesday.

New South Wales planned a state funeral to honor Hughes' contribution to cricket in his home state, but Baird said Monday the ceremony had been cancelled after consultation with Hughes' family and Cricket Australia.