LAHORE: The cricketing fraternity is mourning the loss of Rab Nawaz Sr, a respected former international umpire and lifelong servant of the game, who passed away at the age of 85 after a prolonged illness.
Nawaz was widely admired for his integrity, kindness, and dedication to cricket. A former captain of Lahore’s leading Victorious Cricket Club, he also served as President of Pioneer Cricket Club (Minto Park). He was among founding members Victorious Cricket Club, mentoring generations of young cricketers. He was also a strong supporter of former Pakistan captain Salim Malik during the early stages of his career.
A resident of Brandreth Road, Lahore, Rab Nawaz remained unmarried, devoting his entire life to cricket and the mentorship of players. His contributions extended beyond officiating, as he played two first-class matches as a right-hand batter and off-spin bowler before moving into umpiring.
He made his international umpiring debut in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI at Gaddafi Stadium on March 29, 1982, and officiated his final ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand at Sialkot Cricket Stadium on December 2, 1984.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe. Former captains Mushtaq Mohammad (Birmingham) and Mudassar Nazar (Nairobi), alongside cricketers and organisers such as Sarfraz Ahmad, former member PCB Tournament Committte and former Treasurer Rawalpindi and Lahore Cricket Associations, Talat Mirza, Saleem Parvez, Asher Butt, Khawaja Asif, Hassan Dar, Afzal Butt, Sohail Javed Butt, Nadeem Javed Butt, Aqeel Javed Butt, Muhammad Anjum Butt and Asim Sufi, expressed their grief condolences and prayed for his eternal peace.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also issued a statement, offering its deepest sympathies to Nawaz’s family and acknowledging his service to the game. “The entire PCB family offers its deepest sympathies to the family of Rab Nawaz Snr during this difficult time. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace and may the Almighty grant strength and solace to the family and loved ones to endure this irreparable loss,” the statement read.
Rab Nawaz Sr.’s passing marks the end of an era for Lahore’s cricketing community, where his clubs and mentorship shaped countless careers. His legacy will endure as a symbol of selfless service to Pakistan cricket.
