LAHORE, Aug 23: Former Test cricketers, umpires and organisers were on Wednesday left shocked by the sad news of former Test all-rounder Wasim Hasan Raja’s sudden death.

Wasim died in London following a severe heart attack during a friendly cricket match.

Former medium-pacer Saleem Altaf, Director Cricket Operations PCB said Wasim was a very nice person, a thorough gentleman and a fantastic cricketer.

"We played together a lot and he was one of my closest friends. I am deeply shocked by this tragic news," Saleem told Dawn.

He said Wasim was oneof the best all-rounders Pakistan ever produced.

“His most memorable innings was against the West Indies in 1977 when alongwith Majid Khan he scored more than 500 runs in the five-Test series in the Caribbeans," Saleem recalled.

He added that Wasim was also an entertainer both with the bat and the ball, besides being an agile fielder.

“He was the best stroke-maker of his era. His death is a great loss to the game.”

Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam, talking to Dawn, said he just could not believe it when the news of Wasim’s death went on air.

"He was a young man, a nice fellow and played a lot of cricket under my captaincy. I always liked him as a member of my team," Intikhab said.

“Wasim was a genuine all-rounder and always clicked with either the bat or the ball whenever the team needed,” he recollected.

Another former Test cricketer Mohammad Ilyas said it the news was a huge shock for him.

"I just cannot believe that I have lost a very good friend," he said.

Shafqat Rana also expressed similar feelings about Wasim. "Wasim gave a number of fabulous performances for Pakistan in cricket and as coach he also excelled in England," he said.

Former Test umpire Khizer Hayat also mourned the tragic death of the left-hander.

"Wasim played a lot of cricket in front of me and he was a great entertainer," Khizer said.

“The spectators always loved to see Wasim in action on the ground and he was one of the top crowed-pullers.

Khizer added, Wasim had played key roles in bringing victories to Pakistan.