Former PCB groundsman Haji Bashir passes away; cricketers express deep sorrow

Pakistan’s most senior groundsman Haji Bashir passed away today due to a cardiac arrest.

According to the details, Haji Bashir had served Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and global cricket for over 50 years.

He prepared the pitches of most of the Test centers across the country.

The board has expressed deep grief and offered condolences to the family of the deceased.

“The PCB is saddened by the news of the passing of Haji Bashir Ahmed, former head curator. The PCB offers its condolences to the friends and family”, read the tweet by PCB’s official Twitter handle.

The PCB is saddened by the news of the passing of Haji Bashir Ahmed, former head curator. The PCB offers its condolences to the friends and family. pic.twitter.com/TnxMfffAZe

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 18, 2020

Moreover, the entire Cricket fraternity also felt deep sorrow for the departed soul and prayed for his maghfirat.

Haji Bashir Ahmed – Cricketers condole the sad demise

Deeply saddened, May his soul RIP https://t.co/3YrA0XtFIe

— Shan Masood (@shani_official) November 18, 2020

Sad news,very nice & Kind he was always. May Allah bless him Jannah Aameen. Condolences to his family https://t.co/kJEW0ilnYK

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— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) November 18, 2020

Pakistan's most senior groundsman Haji Basheer sb passed away today with a cardiac arrest. Over 50 years of service to PCB & world cricket. Probably Senior most in the world.
All international cricketers also familiar with him.
انا للہ وانا الیہ راجون#GaddafiStadiumLahore pic.twitter.com/pc8fmwndk4

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 18, 2020

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
Very sad news. https://t.co/n7uCa7SCEe

— Atiq-uz-Zaman (@Atiq160Test) November 18, 2020

إِنَّا للّه وإِنّا إِلَیهِ رَاجِعُونَ https://t.co/X6s1UsTsss

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— Muhammad Wasim (@MuhammadWasim77) November 18, 2020

Such a sad news…My heartfelt condolences to his family.he was such a nice person.May his soul rest in peace & Allah Pak Elevate his Ranks in Jannah Ameen. https://t.co/Oi6g9RZXTM

— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) November 18, 2020

Furthermore, after retiring from PCB, Haji Bashir was serving in Lahore Qalandars High-Performance Center.

Earlier, the Gaddafi Stadium’s curator had said in a statement, “My salary in 1958 used to be Rs58 per month,” said the curator. “It is now in the thousands but my lifestyle has not changed, nor do I have any bigger aspirations. I take immense pride in my work and from the way I have helped people take better care of grounds all around the world.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board may earn millions from the stadium, but the man behind it has always had a modest lifestyle.