Pakistan Cricket Board stalwart Shaharyar Khan passes away at 89

Shaharyar Khan, a revered figure in both diplomatic circles and the cricket world, passed away at the age of 89 after a prolonged illness. His demise marks the end of a distinguished career that bridged international diplomacy and sports, leaving a lasting legacy in both fields. Born in Bhopal, India, and later serving as Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary from 1990 to 1994, Khan was a pivotal figure in fostering relations between India and Pakistan, notably in the realm of cricket.

Khan’s tenure as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2014 to 2017 was marked by significant efforts to revive cricket ties with India, despite geopolitical tensions. His contributions included managing the Pakistan cricket team during crucial tours, such as the 1999 tour of India and the 2003 Cricket World Cup, and overseeing India’s tour of Pakistan twice, efforts that were instrumental in rekindling the cricketing relationship between the two nations.

Beyond his administrative roles, Shaharyar Khan was a learned individual, authoring several books on foreign relations and cricket, sharing insights from his vast experiences. In interviews, he often reflected on his aspirations and the challenges he faced, particularly his regret over not being able to restore regular bilateral Test cricket ties with India.

One of the most contentious moments of his career came in 2006 when Pakistan forfeited the Oval Test against England, an incident that drew widespread attention and for which Khan held the team’s captain at the time, Inzamam-ul-Haq, responsible. He later voiced concerns about the influence of religion in the team dynamics under Inzamam’s leadership.

The current PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, alongside the cricket community, mourns the loss of Shaharyar Khan, acknowledging his profound impact on the sport in Pakistan. Naqvi praised Khan’s dedication and leadership, emphasizing his significant role in developing cricket in Pakistan and expressing deep condolences on behalf of the PCB.