The death of Phillip Hughes has been described as a "real-life tragedy" by Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland.
The batsman, who would have been 26 on Sunday, died earlier today two days after being struck on the head by a bouncer while batting for South Australia against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Sutherland said: "The word tragedy gets used far too often in sport but this freak accident is now a real-life tragedy.
"It's an understatement to say that we are completely devastated.
"Our grief runs deep and the impact of Phillip's loss is enormous but nothing compares to the loss felt by those closest to him.
"Phillip was a cherished son, brother, friend and team-mate. In these darkest of hours, cricket puts its collective arms around the Hughes family."
Hughes, who was wearing a protective helmet, collapsed face first onto the pitch after being hit by a ball on the back, lower left side of his head from pace bowler Sean Abbott as he attempted a pull shot.
He was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and oxygen on the boundary line after being carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
He was taken to Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was being monitored in the intensive care unit.
However, the governing body today confirmed the worst.
Sutherland continued: "'Hughesy, Huey or Hue-Dog - as he was known to many of his mates - was much-loved.
"You only have to sift through the thousands of messages of support, prayers and well wishes for Phillip from cricketers and supporters the world over to understand the affection felt towards him.
"He will forever be remembered as one of the elite few to have worn the Baggy Green cap - cap number 408, to be precise. He was a hero to kids around the nation, particularly those in the region around his home town of Macksville in New South Wales that he did so proud in his 26 Test matches - a tally that looked certain to grow, but now sadly never will.
"He will be sadly missed and forever remembered."
Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said: "He never regained consciousness following his injury. He was not in pain before he passed and was surrounded by his family and close friends."
Following the incident, the match between South Australia and New South Wales was called off for the day before being abandoned entirely, while the latest round of Sheffield Shield games followed suit.
Cricket Australia also announced that the two-day tour match between the Cricket Australia XI and India, due to begin on Friday in Adelaide, had been cancelled.
The second day's play was suspended in the Test match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Sharjah as a mark of respect, with the contest now due to finish on Monday.
The Australian rugby union team will also wear black armbands when they take on England at Twickenham this weekend.
And the England and Wales Cricket Board decided to postpone the release of the 2015 county fixtures - scheduled for release at 10.30 on Thursday morning, until further notice.
Hughes' death will no doubt spark renewed debate about the headgear warn by batsmen, and also the composition of the balls used.
Widespread support was also shown for the player who bowled the ball, Sean Abbott, a 22-year-old all-rounder who was on tour with Hughes just last month as Australia faced Pakistan in Dubai.
Former England bowler Steve Harmison had nothing but sympathy for Abbott and expressed hope that he can resume his burgeoning career.
"I don't think anybody can even contemplate what is going through Sean Abbott's mind at this moment in time," Harmison told Sky Sports News HQ. "I don't even think anybody can come close to it.
"It's such a sad thing. Sean Abbott, a 22-year-old starting his career, at that age playing state cricket means he's a good player, an up-and-coming prospect.
"He's playing the game that he loves and wants to represent Australia and for this to happen to him at such a young age...
"I hope he gets close to fulfilling the potential he's got because nobody can even contemplate what's going through that boy's mind at this moment in time."
Harmison added: "To even think a former fast bowler, myself, and other fast bowlers can even think what's going through his mind. It wouldn't even come close to it."
Hughes was well known to fans both internationally and domestically after spells with Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire, as well as playing in the Indian Premier League.
A 26-Test international, Hughes' last appearance for Australia came in a one-day international against Pakistan in October.
He memorably scored two hundreds in just his second Test match against South Africa, with his last five-day appearance coming against England at Lord's last summer.
In the Test prior to that, he scored 81 at Trent Bridge alongside Ashton Agar in a last-wicket stand that nearly produced a memorable win.
An injury to Australia captain Michael Clarke had led to talk of Hughes getting a recall for the first Test against India, which is slated to begin next week in Brisbane but may now be in doubt of going ahead.
An emotional Clarke, a close friend of Hughes, read out a statement on behalf of the Hughes family.
It read: "We're devastated by the loss of our much-loved son and brother Phillip.
"It's been a very difficult few days, we appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.
"Cricket was Phillip's life and we as a family shared that love of the game with him. We would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at St Vincent's Hospital and Cricket New South Wales medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you."
Cricket Ireland also expressed their sympathy to Hughes' family and friends.
Joe Doherty, Cricket Ireland President, said: "The entire cricket community in Ireland is stunned and saddened by the news of the tragic death of Phil Hughes at just 25 years of age.
"The heartfelt condolences of all connected with Cricket Ireland go out today to Phil's family, his wide circle of friends, and the entire Australian cricket family. May his gentle soul rest in peace."
