On September 14, veteran sports journalist Syed Muhammad Sufi passed away in Karachi at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. Sufi, a respected figure in Urdu journalism and sports reporting, is survived by his wife and four sons. His funeral prayer is scheduled to take place today after Asr prayer at Rehman Arabian Villas Mosque in Karachi.
Sufi’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences and tributes from various figures and organizations. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed deep sorrow, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi describing Sufi’s death as the end of a golden era in sports journalism. Naqvi praised Sufi’s significant contributions to the promotion of sports, especially cricket, and highlighted the enduring impact of his journalistic work.
Sufi’s career spanned over six decades, during which he worked with several media outlets, including Geo News and Daily Jang, with which he had a long-standing association of over 30 years. Known for his distinctive writing and high-profile interviews, Sufi was regarded as a mentor to many journalists and was one of the senior-most members of the Karachi Press Club.
Sufi was recognized for his interviews with prominent cricketers such as Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, Waqar Younis, Moin Khan, Rashid Latif, and Inzamam-ul-Haq. His legacy includes not only his journalistic achievements but also his role in mentoring and guiding future generations of reporters.
Sufi’s contributions extended beyond journalism; during General Zia-ul-Haq’s martial law in 1977, he was arrested for opposing the regime and spent several months in jail. His dedication to his profession and his principled stance during challenging times have been remembered and honored by his peers and admirers.
The Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, former cricketer Shahid Afridi, and sports journalist Faizan Lakhani were among those who expressed their condolences. Afridi remembered Sufi as a supportive and vocal advocate for the betterment of the game and players, while Lakhani referred to his passing as the “end of an era” in sports journalism.
