LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Friday expressed their deepest condolences on the demise of their former head Air Marshal (retd) Nur Khan, who passed away in Rawalpindi on Thursday night.

The PCB said in a news release: “Chairman PCB Zaka Ashraf, Chairperson PCB Women’s Wing Bushra Aitzaz and PCB Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed have extended their deepest condolences to the family of Air Marshal Malik Nur Khan on his demise.

“Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity shares the grief with Nur Khan’s family at this difficult time.” Nur Khan remained chairman PCB [formerly BCCP] from 1980 to 1984.

“PCB management is deeply saddened by the loss of Nur Khan and their thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of sorrow. May Allah give his family and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the news release concluded.

Meanwhile, PHF president Qasim Zia also expressed deep condolence over the demise and prayed for his family to bear the huge loss with fortitude.

Paying rich tribute to Nur Khan for rendering services for the promotion of cricket, squash and especially hockey, Qasim Zia said the world of hockey would remember him for a long time.

Nur Khan, Qasim added, introduced World Cup and the Champions Trophy to the world of hockey and during his tenure as PHF president, Pakistan possessed all the top titles like Olympics, World Cup, Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup.

Qasim termed Nur’s time in PHF office as a golden period of Pakistan hockey, adding he also provided jobs to hockey players.

AFP adds: Meanwhile, sporting greats mourned legendary sports administrator Nur Khan, saying his contributions fuelled the country’s success in cricket, field hockey and squash.

In cricket, Nur Khan was credited for bringing the World Cup to the sub-continent in 1987 after the first three editions were held in England.

“His contribution in bringing the cricket World Cup to India and Pakistan [in 1987] was one of his minor contributions,” said Arif Abbasi, former PCB chief executive. “His real contributions were in squash and hockey where he not only built the infrastructure, produced players but introduced top events too.”

Nur Khan also backed a young Jahangir Khan, a world record holder of 10 British Open squash titles and six World Open titles.

“Under him we had a golden period in cricket, squash and hockey and from Imran Khan to Zaheer Abbas and from me to Jansher Khan he helped develop a lot of players,” Jahangir stated. “He was the right man between the players and the administration and that’s why we achieved a lot of success in sports,” he added.

Legendary paceman Wasim Akram described Nur Khan as a legend off the field.

“We can’t find an administrator like him now,” remarked Wasim. “What he did for sports in Pakistan will always be remembered.”

“Field hockey is what it is because of him... and because of his contribution Pakistan held Olympic, World Cup and Champions Trophy titles simultaneously,” said former Olympian Hanif Khan.