KARACHI: Former Pakistan international Akhtar Sarfraz passed away on Monday at the age of 43 in Lahore after a prolonged battle with cancer.

A left-handed batsman — who was born in Peshawar on Feb 20, 1976 — Akhtar had a brief international career in the late 1990s.

He played all three One-day Internationals during the quadrangular tournament in Sharjah in December 1997. Making his debut against the West Indies, Akhtar scored 25 before making seven against India and 20 versus England.

He was also part of the Pakistan squad that participated in the ICC KnockOut International Cup, which was later renamed ICC Champions Trophy, in Dhaka. But his only appearance was in the quarter-final against the West Indies in which made only 14 as he finished with 66 runs from four ODIs.

In a first-class career spanning from 1994-95 until 2006-07, Akhtar represented Peshawar and National Bank of Pakistan (NBP). He scored 5,720 runs in 118 matches with an average of 36.43 with 162 being his best score out of 13 centuries.

In 98 List A games Akhtar never reached three figures while scoring 2,336 from 96 innings at 35.62 with 90 being the highest score among 22 half-centuries. In a brief T20 career, he made 112 runs in eight matches with an unbeaten 48 being his best score.

After his playing days were over, Akhtar served as a regional coach and was a member of the Pakistan women’s national panel headed by ex-Pakistan paceman Jalaluddin between 2018 and 2019.

Meanwhile, ex-Pakistan spinner Iqbal Qasim, who heads the NBP sports department, expressed deep grief over Akhtar’s untimely death and termed it as a big loss for the game.

“Akhtar was a fine cricketer who could have played more for the country but at that time the competition for places [in the Pakistan team] was very tough,” Iqbal said. “He was greatly respected throughout the cricketing fraternity. Our thoughts are with his family at this tragic time.”

Akhtar, who was laid to rest in his native Lower Dir after Asr prayers, leaves behind two teenage sons besides his wife.

Iqbal added that Quran Khawani for the departed soul will be held at the NBP Sports Complex here between Zuhr and Asr on Tuesday.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2019