Pak’s oldest Test cricketer dies

KARACHI: Mohammad Aslam Khokar, Pakistan's oldest surviving Test cricketer, died in a Lahore hospital after a prolonged illness, family sources said Saturday.

Khokar, who played just one Test for Pakistan on their first-ever tour to England in 1954, turned 91 on January 5 this year.

He managed just 16 and 18 in his only Test appearance, in Nottingham.

But he was known as a solid batsman and excellent fielder during a long first-class career and then became a respected umpire at domestic and international level.

He officiated three Test matches -- all against England -- in 1973 and 1977.

Former team-mate Hanif Mohammad said Khokar was a friend of all.

"It is sad that we lost Khokar. He was a jolly man and was friendly with everyone," said Mohammad, whose 337 against the West Indies in 1958 remains the highest score in Tests by any Pakistani batsman.