Asad Rauf: Ex-international umpire dies aged 66

Rauf was part of the ICC’s elite panel of umpires between 2006 and 2013

Asad Rauf has died after suffering a cardiac arrest (PA)

Former international umpire Asad Rauf has died from a cardiac arrest aged 66, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has said.

Rauf, who stood as an on-field umpire in 49 Test matches, was part of the ICC’s elite panel of umpires between 2006 and 2013.

His career ended abruptly in 2013 when he was named as part of an alleged spot-fixing scandal in the Indian Premier League, for which he was subsequently banned.

He died in his native Pakistan on Wednesday.

Chair of the Pakistan Cricket Board Ramiz Raja said on Twitter: “Saddened to hear about passing of Asad Rauf. Not only was he a good umpire but also had a wicked sense of humour.

“He always put a smile on my face and will continue to do so whenever I think about him. Many sympathies with his family for their loss.”