Oman Cricket administrator Iqbal Ariwala passes away

Oman Cricket's veteran cricket administrator Iqbal Ariwal passed away from a heart attack on Saturday (April 23) afternoon. Being a servant of the game, Ariwala was known to be the face of Oman Cricket for many years. 

Saddened by his sudden demise, many prominent personalities have paid their heartfelt tributes to him. 

Oman Cricket, on behalf of all its staff, expressed intense grief and paid sincere condolences to Ariwala's family in its official statement. 

"Oman Cricket is saddened about the sudden demise of Mr Iqbal Ariwala - International Cricket & Admin Manager - this afternoon. The Board of Directors and the Staff are deeply hearted and express their condolences to his family. May his Soul Rest in Peace," the statement read. 

The captain of UAE's national cricket team, Ahmed Raza, termed the deceased as a hard-working gentleman who had a crucial role in shaping up the image of Oman Cricket on the global stage. 

"My deepest condolences to Iqbal Saab's family," Raza tweeted. "A very hard working professional and a thorough gentleman. He played a massive role in the development of Oman Cricket in the recent years," the captain further added. 

Cricketing personalities from all over the world expressed gratitude towards the heavenly abode. 

The Uganda team manager Jack Avuma also lamented the death of Ariwala by saying, "Very sad news this is, my heartfelt condolences to the Cricket fraternity in Oman and to the family of my brother. From Uganda, we extend our sympathies to the entire cricket community."

The coordinator of investigations of ICC's anti-corruption unit Steve Richardson remembered Ariwala as a generous host during his visits to Oman. 

"This is very sad news. My sincere condolences to his family and all at Oman Cricket. Iqbal was a kind and generous host on our visits to Oman. May he rest in peace," he concluded.