Former first-class cricketer Ali Zia passed away on Saturday at the age of 66.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) extended its condolences to the bereaved family.

‘’The PCB is saddened by the passing of Ali Zia, a former first-class cricketer and former senior GM at the National Cricket Academy. The PCB extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ali Zia’’.

The PCB is saddened by the passing of Ali Zia, a former first-class cricketer and former Senior GM at the National Cricket Academy. The PCB extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ali Zia. pic.twitter.com/IeX7S5LsXD
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 20, 2024

Reacting to the news of Zia’s demise, former Rawalpindi Rams coach Sabih Azhar wrote, ‘’ Ali Zia was my boss, mentor, teacher and a true friend.

ALI ZIA was my BOSS/MENTOR/TEACHER and a true FRIEND
انا للہ وانا الیہ راجعون
Love him forever -Miss him always@TheRealPCB @shakilsh58 @ayazakbar786 pic.twitter.com/Ncah4NRYPN
— Sabih Azhar (@sabih_azhar) January 20, 2024

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan said: ‘’Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Ali Zia sb. He was my first manager at Pakistan U17 and U19. May Allah bless him and give his family the courage to deal with this immense loss’’.

Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Ali Zia sb. He was my first manager at Pakistan u17 and u19. May Allah bless him and give his family the courage to deal with this immense loss. pic.twitter.com/2kts2TmnOg
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) January 20, 2024

Former Pakistani batter Yasir Hameed wrote, ‘’Saddened to know about the demise of Ali Zia bhai. A friendly coach and mentor with a high understanding of the game. May Allah grant him Jannah and give sabar to his family and friends, Ameen’’.

انا اللہ وانا الیہ راجعون
Saddened to know about the demise of Ali Zia bhai. A friendly coach and mentor with a high understanding of the game. May Allah grant him jannah and give sabar to his family and friends, ameen
— Yasir Hameed (@Yasir_HameedQ) January 20, 2024