2009 attack is in the past: Ahsan Raza after completing fifty T20Is as umpire

Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza has become the first umpire to officiate in 50 Twenty20 International (T20I) matches, during the second match of Pakistan’s ongoing series against Zimbabwe.

Raza was severely injured in the terror attacks on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore on March 3, 2009.

The 46-year-old, then a reserve umpire for the second Test, was on his way to the Gaddafi Stadium with other match officials when the team bus just a few yards ahead of them came under fire, killing eight police and bystanders and wounding six others.

Two bullets pierced his lungs and liver, and after emerging from a coma, it was nearly six months before Raza could walk again.

Despite the horrific incident, Raza wants people to remember him for his umpiring.

“First of all thanks to the Almighty for helping me get into this position,” said Raza. “2009 attack is in the past now and I’m glad to see that international cricket has returned to Pakistan. I always wanted people to remember me because of my umpiring and my hard work has paid off today.”

“I am grateful to the ICC and the PCB for backing me and providing me with all the opportunities,” he added.

In the list of most matches as an umpires in T20Is, Raza is closely followed by compatriot Aleem Dar, in second place, with 47 matches. England’s Ian Gould sits in third place with 37 matches.