The planned state funeral was called off after consulting with his family.
The Australia batsman died tragically in hospital two days after a freak accident which resulted in him being struck by a ball during a match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He was just 25 years old .
New South Wales Premier Mike Baird confirmed that the state service would not go ahead and that the decision was made with the consent of Cricket Australia and Hughes’s family.
All parties felt that given the enormous outpouring of support at last Wednesday’s funeral, a state memorial service would no longer need to be held.
Over 5,000 people, including famous cricketers such as Shane Warne and Brian Lara attended a funeral service in Hughes’ home town of Macksville on Wednesday. According to Baird, it was decided that the family funeral was enough of a tribute to the rising Test star and that it would not be necessary to hold a state service.
Last Wednesday’s funeral in Macksville was a wonderful service and a fitting tribute to Phillip’s life, and it was a privilege to be a part of it. It was a community event attended by thousands of people, watched live by millions of Australians and observed at a number of grounds around the country, including the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Hat-tip to BBC
