National Stadium Karachi’s assistant curator dies due to heat wave

Shakoor Hussain served at the ground for more than 20 years before his unfortunate death

KARACHI: The 45-year-old assistant curator of the National Stadium Karachi (NSK) died early Tuesday morning after a two day illness owing to Karachi's oppressive heat wave.

Shakoor Hussain served the NSK for nearly 20 years and his contribution as one of the leading groundsman at the famous Test center were widely hailed by the management of the stadium as well as the local players.

Shakoor was unsung hero of our crkt.For many yrs he wrkd v hard as groundsman at NSK.Vsad tohear abt his death.May Allah grant him heaven.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 23, 2015

Former Pakistan Test batsman Mohammad Waseem announced a grant of Rs 25000 for the bereaved family while some other leading cricketers including T20 captain Shahid Afridi have also vowed to help Shakoor's family.

Sad ,very Sad . he was such a lovely person. Always greeted me with big smile #RIP lala #HardWorker https://t.co/yPbGP7mOaz

— Muhammad Wasim (@MuhammadWasim77) June 23, 2015

@Emmad81 @JAfridi10 @HaierPakistan I know its small amount but I donate Rs 25000 for Shakoor's family from Academy #MWCA #ShakoorNSK

— Muhammad Wasim (@MuhammadWasim77) June 23, 2015

According to a Pakistan Cricket Board press release, Chairman Shaharyar Khan and Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad have offered their heartfelt condolences over passing away of Shakoor.

In a message to his family, Chairman PCB said: "We are with Shakoor Hussain's family at this hour of grief."

"The PCB's top tier management and its entire staff pray to the Almighty to bestow the departed soul with eternal peace and grant the family and the dear ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss", said a PCB spokesman.

Meanwhile, more than 500 people have died from a three-day heatwave in Karachi, officials said on Tuesday, as medics battled to treat victims after a state of emergency was declared in hospitals.

The death toll in worst-hit Karachi, where temperatures hit 45 degrees Celsius at the weekend surpassed 500 while another eight to 10 people died in other parts of southern Sindh, said Sabir Memon, a senior provincial health official.