Former PCB chief Shaharyar Khan passes away at 89

Shaharyar Khan, former chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), passed away on March 23, Saturday, in Lahore, aged 89. He served as Foreign Secretary of Pakistan from 1990-1994 and also chaired the PCB after being unanimously elected by the board of governors, taking into account the new constitution of the PCB 2014.

He had previously taken over the role in December 2003 and served till October 2006. In addition, Khan had also served as the ambassador to Jordan, the United Kingdom, and France. In 1994, he was appointed as UN secretary-general’s special representative in Rwanda.

"The PCB, through its Chairman, Board of Governors and employees, expresses deep sadness over the passing of former Chairman PCB Shaharyar Khan. He served as Chairman of PCB for two different terms, from December 2003 to October 2006 and from August 2014 to August 2017. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends," PCB wrote in its Instagram post.

Also read: PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirms national selection committee overhaul

See PCB's Instagram post:

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs paid tribute to the diplomat who had performed many roles at the foreign ministry, including foreign secretary, ambassador, and high commissioner between 1957 and 1994. The Ministry honoured his services in "protecting Pakistan’s diplomatic interests”.

"Today the Foreign Service family of Pakistan mourns the passing of former Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Shaharyar M. Khan. We honour his monumental services in protecting Pakistan's diplomatic interests. Our deepest condolences to his friends and family. May his soul rest in peace. (Ameen)," Ministry of Foreign Affairs- Pakistan wrote in its official X handle. 

Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Qazi stated that he was deeply saddened at his death while also lauding him as "One of Pakistan's finest diplomats." He went on to praise him, stating he left behind "a rich legacy of accomplishment & protecting & promoting Pakistan's interests." 

Also read: PCB set to follow hybrid model for coaches

Shashi Tharoor, a veteran Congress leader, also expressed his condolences at Khan's death. Notably, Khan was Tharoor's co-author of “Shadows Across the Playing Field”, a history of India-Pakistan cricket from Partition to 2009.

"A fine human being, a refined intellect, and a genuine advocate of good neighbourly relations between our countries, he will be deeply mourned in India," Tharoor wrote on X while also sharing photos of them with India’s late Sports Minister, MS Gill, in Delhi in 2009.