• Former international umpire Asad Rauf passed away on Thursday.

  • Cricketers from around the world paid condolences to the iconic figure.

From Ramiz Raja to Suresh Raina: Cricket fraternity mourns umpire Asad Rauf’s sudden demise
Ramiz Raja, Asad Rauf, Suresh Raina (Image Source: Twitter)

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Former international umpire Asad Rauf has passed away due to a heart attack in Lahore on Thursday. Rauf, who was 66 years old, made his first appearance as an umpire in international cricket in 2000 and officiated in 64 Tests (49 as on-field umpire and 15 as TV umpire), 139 ODIs and 28 T20Is.

Notably, Rauf had played 71 first-class matches in the domestic circuit in Pakistan before becoming one of the leading umpires in world cricket. His career, however, came to an abrupt end when he was named as one of the accused by the Mumbai Police in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal. Following this, Rauf was dropped from ICC’s Elite Panel and even banned by the BCCI for five years thereafter.

Nevertheless, the sudden demise of Rauf has hit the cricket community hard, as players – past and present – took to social media to express their sadness and sympathies.

Former Pakistan international and current PCB chief Ramiz Raja wrote a heartwarming note on social media and paid his condolences to Rauf’s family.

“Saddened to hear about the passing of Asad Rauf. Not only was he a good umpire, but also had a wicked sense of humour. He always put a smile on my face and will continue to do so whenever I think about him. Many sympathies with his family for their loss,” tweeted Raja.

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina wrote: “Deepest condolences to former umpire & cricketer of Pakistan #AsadRauf on your sad demise. Strength to his entire family, friends & fans !”

Pakistani wicket keeper-batter Kamran Akmal also took to his official Twitter handle to convey his condolences.

“Sad to know about the news of former ICC umpire Asad Rauf’s demise…May Allah grant him magfirat and give his family sabr Ameen,” tweeted Akmal.

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Subramaniam Badrinath termed Rauf as a fun-loving personality and paid condolences to Rauf’s family and friends.

“Asad Rauf was a jovial and a fun loving person to be around. I had some nice conversations with him at square leg, and he always loved CSK and the fans support. Thoughts and condolences to his family #RIPAsadRauf” wrote Badrinath.

Here is how others reacted:

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