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Farid Malik passes away

He went to Pakistan Consulate in Dubai for his personal work but had to be rushed to the hospital after he collapsed. He was declared brought dead on arrival. A popular figure in the UAE cricketing fraternity, he has served the game for three decades. He started his umpiring career in October, 1979 and has also served as an umpire in the ICC World Cup 1996 in Sri Lanka and was part of ACC Elite Panel of Umpires.

Malik, who was born in Lahore, spent more than 30 years in the UAE. Earlier, he worked with the Dubai Health Ministry and was currently working as a dentist at the Gulf Medical College, Ajman.

Malik is survived by his wife, three sons and one daughter. His daughter is married to Mohammed Tauqeer, an UAE all-rounder. He has contributed immensely as an umpire to the UAE cricket and his sudden loss is certainly going to be felt in the cricketing circles. Tauqeer was devastated after hearing the news and said: “Allah may take care of him.”

Mazhar Khan of Sharjah Cricket Council said: “Malik was a true gentleman and very popular in UAE cricket fraternity, he has served as umpire for last three decades at the SCC.”

Tariq Butt, another senior umpire and Malik’s partner in many ways, was not ready to believe that a true lover of cricket has passed away. Butt said: “We came to know each other while residing in Satwa in 70s.

“Since we both were from Lahore, we shared lot of things in common. It is impossible to find a true friend like him.

“It was a pleasure to stand in the matches alongside Malik because he was very cooperative person. He was also liked by players and officials.” Butt added: “It will be difficult to fill the void created by the untimely death of Malik. ”

Another UAE umpire Iftikhar Ali, who was assisting Malik in his project, was in a shock after hearing the news. He said: “We spent a lot of time together during the last week. I told Malik that he was looking weak but he said, ‘I am loosing weight and it is a sign of good health’.”

Fidel Jaary, another umpire, said: “He was my big brother and the most comfortable person to work with. I am really devastated and can’t speak at the moment.”

liaqat@khaleejtimes.com