Former PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan was also Saif Ali Khan's uncle | The Express Tribune

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shahryar Khan, a prominent figure in the cricketing world, breathed his last recently at the age of 89. Family sources confirmed that he had been battling illness for an extended period before succumbing. 

Described by publications such as Live Mint as “Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi’s cousin who restored India-Pakistan cricket ties,” his diplomatic prowess and commitment to the sport played a pivotal role in thawing relations and promoting cricketing camaraderie between the two nations.

However, beyond his significant role in cricket diplomacy, Shahryar Khan also had intriguing familial ties. He was notably the uncle of Bollywood luminary Saif Ali Khan, as per The Current and One Cricket, adding a layer of cultural connection that transcended the boundaries of sports and entertainment.

Hailing from the esteemed royal family of the erstwhile princely state of Bhopal, his ancestry can be traced back to Afghanistan, where his forebears migrated during the early 18th century. Shahryar Khan’s contributions to cricket, particularly in fostering ties between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, remain exemplary. 

Born on March 29, 1934, in the historic Qasr-e-Sultani Palace, which now houses Saifia College, in Bhopal State, British India, his lineage is deeply rooted in the archives of royalty in the subcontinent. He was the sole son and male heir of Nawab Muhammad Sarwar Ali Khan, the ruler of the former princely state of Kurwai, and Princess Begum Abida Sultan, the Crown Princess and eldest daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, Hajji-Hafiz Sir Muhammad Nawab Hamidullah Khan.

Throughout his tenure as PCB Chairman, Shahryar Khan endeavoured to uphold the integrity and spirit of the game, navigating through the complexities of cricket administration with finesse and dedication. His legacy as a visionary administrator and a bridge-builder between nations through the medium of cricket will continue to inspire generations to come.

As Pakistan mourns the loss of one of its cricketing stalwarts, Shahryar Khan’s enduring mark on the sport and his enduring contributions to fostering goodwill between nations will be remembered with reverence and gratitude.

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