Karachi
The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, in collaboration with the Sports Journalists Association of Sindh (SJAS), organized a commemorative event in honour of Pakistan’s eminent cricket journalist, commentator, author, and former first-class cricketer Qamar Ahmed.
The event was attended by former Test cricketers Sadiq Mohammad, Jalaluddin, Moin Khan, and Shoaib Mohammad, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Mohammad Ahmed Shah, Secretary General of the Pakistan Sports Writers Federation Asghar Azeem, SJAS President Mahmood Riaz, senior journalists Mazhar Abbas, Owais Tauheed, Mirza Iqbal Baig, Waheed Khan, Rishad Mahmood, Shahid Hashmi, Rashid Shakoor, Iqbal Latif, Chairman, Special Events Committee, Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, and numerous journalists, former cricketers, and members of the sporting community.
Special video messages were delivered by former Pakistan captain Mushtaq Mohammad, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, and former West Indies pace great Michael Holding, who paid tribute to Qamar Ahmed’s extraordinary life and contribution to cricket. Speakers described Qamar Ahmed as an encyclopedia of cricket and a global ambassador for the game.
They noted that he was one of the few Pakistani cricket journalists whose knowledge and credibility earned him recognition as an international authority on the sport.
They recalled that Qamar Ahmed’s love for cricket was so profound that he often regarded the game as his “bride,” dedicating his entire life to it and choosing never to marry.
His remarkable ability to narrate the history behind every photograph, souvenir, and memorabilia made every gathering with him an unforgettable experience.
The speakers highlighted that Qamar Ahmed spent much of his professional life in the United Kingdom, an experience that significantly shaped both his personality and distinguished journalistic career.
He contributed to many of the world’s leading newspapers and cricket publications and was widely respected across the international cricket fraternity.
They further noted that his London residence became a second home for Pakistani cricketers, journalists, and friends travelling abroad, with its doors always open to visitors.
Born in Hyderabad, Qamar Ahmed was a left-arm spinner who also enjoyed a distinguished first-class cricket career, claiming the wickets of Pakistan batting greats Hanif Mohammad, Mushtaq Mohammad, and Sadiq Mohammad.
The speakers emphasized that whether dealing with journalists or cricketers, Qamar Ahmed always treated younger colleagues with the affection of an elder brother and the wisdom of a mentor.
His commitment to nurturing future generations earned him immense respect throughout the sporting community.
They also highlighted his deep knowledge of literature, poetry, music, history, and culture, describing him as a rare intellectual whose interests extended far beyond cricket.
They remarked that personalities like Qamar Ahmed are the true strength of a society, and their passing leaves behind a void that is difficult to fill, as though an entire tradition departs with them.
During the ceremony, the speakers expressed disappointment that Qamar Ahmed had not been honoured with one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards during his lifetime.
They unanimously appealed to the Government of Pakistan to confer a posthumous Presidential Civil Award upon him in recognition of his exceptional services to cricket journalism.
They noted that his extraordinary achievement of covering 453 Test matches, 742 One Day Internationals, and nine ICC Cricket World Cups remains unmatched and represents a remarkable contribution to Pakistan’s sporting heritage.
The ceremony concluded with special prayers for the eternal peace of Qamar Ahmed’s soul.
