LAHORE — Former Pakistan keeper and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman passed away in Lahore at the age of 85 following a prolonged illness.
The sad news was confirmed by his son, Arif Saeed, who stated that Butt had been unwell for a considerable period.
Ijaz Butt served as the PCB chairman from 2008 to 2011, a period marked by several changes in team management. Under his chairmanship, Pakistan cricket achieved a significant milestone by winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2009.
The PCB expressed deep sorrow over Butt’s demise, acknowledging his contributions to cricket in Pakistan. In a statement, the cricket board extended heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
The PCB Management Committee Chairperson, Zaka Ashraf, expressed his deepest condolences on behalf of the PCB, praising Butt’s contributions and offering respect and remembrance for his service to Pakistan cricket.
Born on 10th March 1938 in Sialkot, Butt was a former Test cricketer who played eight matches for Pakistan between 1959 and 1962. A wicketkeeper-batsman, he made his Test debut as an opener against West Indies, scoring an unbeaten 41 in a victorious match.
He also played against Australia, achieving his only half-century during a Test match in Karachi in December 1959. Overall, he scored 279 runs in eight Tests, with an average of 19.92. During his career, he also participated in 67 first-class matches, amassing over 3,000 runs.
