- Mohammad Nazir Junior, former Pakistan cricketer and umpire, passed away at 78.
- He represented Pakistan in 14 Test matches and four ODIs, claiming 34 wickets.
- Nazir transitioned to umpiring, officiating in 15 ODIs and five Tests.
LAHORE: Mohammad Nazir Junior, former Pakistan cricketer and umpire, passed away at the age of 78, as confirmed by his son, Noman Nazir, on Thursday.
Nazir Junior represented Pakistan in 14 Test matches and four ODIs, claiming 34 wickets in his international career. He made an impactful debut by taking seven wickets in the first innings, becoming the first Pakistani spinner to achieve such a feat.
After retiring from playing, Nazir transitioned to umpiring, officiating in 15 ODIs and five Tests during his tenure.
The Lahore-born cricketer faced significant health challenges after a severe traffic accident five years ago, which led to a decline in his health. He had been critically ill over the past week and was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Lahore before his passing.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over his demise, honoring his contributions to Pakistan cricket both as a player and an umpire.