Qamar Ahmed Arts Council and SJAS honour legendary cricket journalist with tribute ceremony

Qamar Ahmed was honoured at a memorial ceremony jointly organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and the Sports Journalists Association of Sindh (SJAS), where leading cricketers, journalists and cultural figures celebrated his lifelong contribution to cricket journalism.

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The event brought together former Test cricketers Sadiq Mohammad, Jalaluddin, Moin Khan and Shoaib Mohammad. Arts Council President Mohammad Ahmed Shah, Pakistan Sports Writers Federation Secretary General Asghar Azeem, SJAS President Mahmood Riaz and several senior journalists also attended.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Mushtaq Mohammad, Wasim Akram, Rashid Latif and former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding shared video messages. They praised Qamar Ahmed’s outstanding service to cricket and his lasting influence on sports journalism.

Speakers described Qamar Ahmed as an encyclopedia of cricket and one of Pakistan’s most respected cricket writers. His expertise earned him global recognition and established him as a trusted voice in international cricket. According to the participants, he devoted his entire life to the game and regarded cricket as his greatest passion.

They also recalled his lifelong devotion to the sport. According to the speakers, he considered cricket his greatest passion and dedicated his entire life to documenting its history.

Furthermore, they highlighted his exceptional storytelling skills. They said he could explain the history behind every photograph, trophy and piece of cricket memorabilia, making every conversation memorable.

The speakers noted that Qamar Ahmed spent many years in the United Kingdom. During that time, he wrote for leading international newspapers and cricket publications. His London home also welcomed Pakistani cricketers, journalists and friends visiting the country.

Born in Hyderabad, Qamar Ahmed enjoyed a successful first-class cricket career as a left-arm spinner. He dismissed legendary Pakistan batters, including Hanif Mohammad, Mushtaq Mohammad and Sadiq Mohammad.

In addition, speakers recognised his deep interest in literature, poetry, music, history and culture. They described him as a rare intellectual whose influence extended far beyond the cricket field.

They also recognised his deep interest in literature, poetry, music, history and culture. They described him as a rare intellectual whose influence reached far beyond the cricket field.

Finally, participants expressed regret that Qamar Ahmed did not receive one of Pakistan’s highest civil honours during his lifetime. They urged the government to confer a posthumous Presidential Civil Award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to cricket journalism.

The speakers noted that he covered an unmatched 453 Test matches, 742 One Day Internationals and nine ICC Cricket World Cups during his distinguished career.

The ceremony concluded with special prayers for the eternal peace of Qamar Ahmed’s soul.