PAKISTAN NEWS

Akhtar Sarfraz, former Pakistan batsman, dies of cancer

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Akhtar Sarfraz represented Pakistan in four ODIs © Getty

Akhtar Sarfraz, former Pakistan batsman, passed away on Monday (June 10) at the age of 43 due to colon cancer. The left-handed batsman breathed his last at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial cancer hospital in Lahore.

In four ODIs, from December 1997 to October 1998, Sarfraz scored 66 runs. His domestic record, however, was more impressive as he amassed 5,720 and 2,636 runs in 118 first-class and 98 List A matches respectively - turning out primarily for Peshawar and National Bank of Pakistan. He also scored 112 runs in six T20 innings.

He last played a first-class match, which was his final outing in competitive cricket, in January 2007. After his playing days, he worked as a regional coach. Most recently, he was appointed as a selector for the women's team in 2018.

Paying tribute to Sarfraz, Ehsan Mani, the PCB chairman, said: "The PCB is shocked to hear the sad news of Akhtar's passing. It is very difficult to accept and comprehend if you lose someone from the cricket fraternity, particularly as young and lively as Akhtar who was admired, respected and loved by everyone.

"It's tragic that death cut short his life at such a young age, but he will live in our memories for a very long period. On behalf of the PCB, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Akhtar's family and assure them that in these difficult times, we stand firmly with them."

© Cricbuzz

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