KARACHI: Veteran cricket broadcaster Ahmed Raza Zaidi — who was popularly known as A.R. Zaidi — died of cardiac arrest in Islamabad on Friday. He was 62.

A civil servant who retired as chief finance and audit officer in 2018, Zaidi served in almost all federal ministries with his last assignment being in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

According to details, Zaidi had contracted malaria three days ago before suffering a fatal heart attack. His Namaz-i-Janaza was held late on Friday afternoon and was laid to rest at the H-11 Graveyard in the federal capital.

Zaidi was a passionate cricket lover who commentated on the game for many years in English language for both radio and TV, including the matches of Pakistan Super League’s fifth edition played in Rawalpindi during February and March.

Chishty Mujahid, a renowned figure in the field of cricket broadcasting, expressed deep shock at the death of Zaidi and described him as a wonderful human being.

In a condolence message to the bereaved family, Chishty said: “He was a colleague with whom I shared the microphone on innumerable occasions. He was a longtime friend who was always supportive and helpful.

“Moreover, he was great company and a gracious host. I shall miss him very much as will his innumerable fans all around the globe. He was a very competent, forthright, fearless and authoritative civil servant. I am deeply saddened and utterly devastated by this terrible news.

“May Almighty Allah rest his soul in peace and grant his family courage and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Besides his wife, Zaidi left behind two sons and two daughters.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2020