Veteran cricket journalist Qamar Ahmed passed away in Karachi on Thursday at the age of 88, as confirmed by his family. Family members stated that he had been suffering from a heart ailment.
A Pioneering Career
Widely regarded as one of Pakistan's pioneering cricket journalists, Ahmed covered more than 400 Test matches and over 600 One-Day Internationals. He also reported on International Cricket Council (ICC) events worldwide. His journalism career spanned five decades, during which he earned distinction as one of the most prolific cricket reporters and authors, covering more than 400 Test matches, 738 One-Day Internationals, and nine Cricket World Cups.
Ahmed also worked for Dawn and served as a cricket reporter for the BBC World Service. His bylines appeared in several international newspapers, including The Guardian, The Times, The Daily Telegraph (London), and Dawn.
Early Life and Contributions
Born on October 23, 1937, in Uttar Pradesh, British India, Ahmed migrated to Pakistan after Partition. He first settled in Karachi before moving to Hyderabad, Sindh, where he captained the Hyderabad cricket team. In the 1950s and early 1960s, he studied cricket journalism and broadcasting in England. He was part of the commentary team during the 1992 Cricket World Cup and contributed to numerous cricket publications worldwide. He also authored several books on cricket. In recognition of his contribution, he became an honorary life member of the Cricket Writers' Club of England in 2011. Apart from journalism, Ahmed played 17 first-class matches.
Tributes from the Cricket Fraternity
Former cricketers, commentators, and sports journalists paid tribute to Ahmed, saying his death left a void in the cricket fraternity. Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan expressed grief, recalling his long association with him. “I travelled a lot with Qamar Ahmed, and he covered many of our matches,” Younis said in a video statement. “Just a week ago, I was with him, and we covered a wonderful event together,” he added, while praying for the departed soul.
Former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif also condoled Ahmed's death, noting that Ahmed had been suffering from a heart condition and had undergone an operation two weeks ago.
Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle expressed sorrow, calling Ahmed “generous and large-hearted.” In a post on X, Bhogle recalled that Ahmed helped him extensively during his first tour of England in 1990, when he was “a wide-eyed novice on most matters.” He wrote, “Always greeted me with a hearty laugh. I have only warm memories of Q, and I will be surprised if anyone else has any other. Khuda Hafiz Q Bhai. Salaam.”
The editor-in-chief of ESPNcricinfo shared memories, stating that he had traveled to England for cricket for 25 years, and Ahmed was always there “with a smile, with warmth, and with a bag of wicked stories.” He added, “For me, something essential, and inevitable, is gone from the Lord's press box.”
Senior politician Chaudhry Fawad Hussain also paid tribute, describing Ahmed's death as the end of an era in sports journalism.
