Pakistan’s sole representative on ICC’s elite umpiring panel celebrated for record-breaking career and global excellence
Asher Butt
The Burewalins hosted a grand reception in Lahore to honor Ahsan Raza, Pakistan’s only umpire on the International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite Panel, recognizing his exceptional service to the game of cricket and his role in elevating Pakistan’s standing in international sports officiating. The prestigious ceremony celebrated Raza’s distinguished career, presenting him with a commemorative medal and shield for his contributions to the sport.
Special awards were also conferred upon other notable personalities for their contributions to society, making the evening a celebration of Pakistani excellence across multiple fields.
A distinguished gathering of luminaries
The event was organized by Abdul Basit Khan, Founder and Chairman of The Burewalins, alongside prominent businessmen Chaudhry Faryad and Abdul Rauf Chaudhry, former President of the Chamber of Commerce for District Vehari. The reception drew a distinguished gathering from across Pakistani society, including representatives from the film and television industry, academia, civil society, business, and the overseas Pakistani community.
From the Film and Television Industry: Film producer Syed Noor; senior actors Aurangzeb Leghari, Rashid Mehmood, Ashraf Khan; and singer Khalid Baig graced the occasion.
Intellectuals and Writers: Renowned columnist Orya Maqbool Jan; poets Auqir Sharifi, Ms. Mehnaz, Ms. Urooj Durrani; and literary figures Dr. Shahida, Zaeem Rasheed, and Dr. Muhammad Hanif added intellectual weight to the proceedings.
Civil Society and Former Officials: Dr. Amjad Saqib, Founder of the Akhuwat Foundation; Zafar Abbas Lak, Former IG Motorways; Dr. Malik Khuda Bakhsh, Former IG Police; Khalid Mahmood, Former Vice-Chancellor; and Abdul Rauf Khan, former Grade-21 officer of the District Management Group.
Business and Overseas Representatives: Mian Muhammad Hanif, President of PML-N France and Patron-in-Chief of The Burewalins; Manzoor Malik of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce; renowned poet Afzal Paris; and seasoned sports journalist and Secretary Sjal Muhammad Yousaf Anjum.
Recognizing global excellence
Speakers at the event lauded Raza for setting a benchmark for honesty, professionalism, and impartiality in international umpiring. They noted that his achievements are a source of pride not only for Pakistan but for the wider region, and serve as an inspiration for the country’s youth – demonstrating that excellence in sports officiating is a career path worthy of pursuit.
The commemorative medal and shield were presented to Raza by Syed Noor, Abdul Basit Khan, Orya Maqbool Jan, and Abdul Rauf Chaudhry – a cross-section of cultural, social, and community leadership that underscored the broad respect Raza commands across Pakistani society.
Ahsan Raza’s record-breaking career
Upon receiving the honor, Raza expressed his gratitude and offered a glimpse into the challenges of his profession. “Umpiring is a challenging job, and I always strive to fulfill my responsibilities to the best of my ability,” he said. “It is my wish to see more Pakistanis enter this field and bring laurels to the country.”
Ahsan Raza currently holds the distinction of being the sole Pakistani on the ICC Elite Panel – a position that places him among the world’s most elite cricket officials. His career highlights are remarkable by any measure:
– 91 T20 Internationals – the highest number officiated by any umpire globally, a testament to his consistency and fitness
– 43 Test Matches and 78 One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
– Officiating in 25 ICC Events – spanning World Cups, Champions Trophies, and World T20s
– A record 65 Domestic Finals – underlining his status as the most trusted umpire for high-pressure matches on the domestic circuit
These numbers tell the story of an official who has not only endured at the highest level but thrived, earning the respect of players, captains, and fellow officials across cricketing nations.
Special acknowledgments
Special awards were also presented to Orya Maqbool Jan, Dr. Amjad Saqib, Ashraf Khan, Aurangzeb Leghari, Syed Irshad, Uzma Roomi, and singer Khalid Baig for their respective contributions to society. The recognition of individuals beyond the sporting realm reflected The Burewalins’ broader mission of celebrating Pakistani excellence across all fields.
The evening concluded with a welcome address by Abdul Basit Khan, who outlined the aims and objectives of The Burewalins and thanked the guests on behalf of the community. The ceremony was hosted by renowned poet Imran Javed Ghauri, popularly known as Dr. Danish Aziz, whose wit and eloquence kept the proceedings engaging throughout.
About The Burewalins
The Burewalins is a community organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting the achievements of Pakistanis in various fields, fostering national pride, and inspiring the younger generation. Through events such as this reception for Ahsan Raza, the organization seeks to highlight role models whose careers demonstrate what is possible through dedication, integrity, and excellence.
The presence of leading figures from intellectual, social, educational, literary, journalistic, corporate, and cultural circles added significant prestige to the event, transforming what could have been a simple felicitation into a celebration of Pakistani achievement and potential. For the young aspiring umpires and sports officials in attendance, Ahsan Raza’s journey from domestic cricket to the ICC Elite Panel offers a roadmap – and a reminder that Pakistan’s next great umpire may already be watching.
