Mohammed Ijaz Butt (10th March 1938 – 3rd August 2023), a former Pakistan cricketer and chairman of PCB-Pakistan Cricket Board, passed away (إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ – surely we belong to ALLAH/GOD and to HIM shall we return) in Lahore early morning today (3rd August). Aged 85 Ejaz Butt was born in Sialkot, Pakistan.
Mr. Ejaz had a short international cricket career of four years from 1959-1962 as a wicket keeper and opening batsman. He began his first-class career with Pakistan Universities team against a touring MCC-Marylebone Cricket Club in 1956. His international debut was as an opener in a Test against West Indies in 1958-59 as an opener, scoring 41 not out which contributed to the Pakistan team winning by ten-wickets. Later he played twice against Australia and his last three Test series against England in 1962, in which his overall score was 1016 runs, which included a century against Kent.
Allsportspk Obituary: ICC Condoles At Passing Of Ijaz Butt
His involvement with cricket continued on domestic level till his last appearance in the 1968 Ayub Trophy, where he scored 40 and 15 for the Lahore Reds. Besides, he was also actively involved in administrative affairs of cricket on city and national levels as follows:
– Firstly, as the secretary of the Pakistan Cricket Board between 1984 and 1988.
– President of LCCA-Lahore City Cricket Association for many years.
– In 1982-83 he went as manager of Pakistan team to Australia. – Twice headed the national selection committee. – In 2008, was appointed as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Besides cricket, Mr Ejaz was a respected and successful businessman with a long directorial involvement with Service group, which is one of the largest manufacturer of footwear and motor cycle tyres and tubes.
His family includes wife, son Mr. Habib and two daughters.
