Syed Muhammad Sufi passes away: A lifetime dedicated to sports journalism

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 3 months ago |  JP Staff Report

KARACHI — When you think of Pakistan’s sports journalism, the name Syed Muhammad Sufi immediately comes to mind. The veteran journalist, who passed away in Karachi at the age of 80 after a long illness, leaves behind a legacy that spans over 60 years—a career marked not just by reporting scores, but by shaping the very fabric of sports media in the country.

Sufi’s journey began in a time when Pakistan’s sports coverage was still finding its voice. From humble beginnings, he rose through the ranks, reporting for prestigious outlets like Daily Jang and Geo News, where he worked for more than three decades. His work went beyond match summaries; he championed the rights of players, highlighted systemic issues, and always ensured that the human stories behind the statistics were heard.

Colleagues remember him as a mentor, a guiding force for younger journalists stepping into a competitive field. “He taught us that integrity is more important than breaking a story first,” recalled one protégé. Sufi’s approach combined meticulous reporting with empathy—a rare combination that earned him respect across the cricketing and journalistic communities.

His influence reached the cricket pitch as well. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi paid tribute to Sufi on X, remembering him as “a man of great character” who consistently advocated for players and the promotion of sports. Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani summed it up poignantly, calling his passing “the end of an era.”

Sufi’s impact was not limited to print and digital media. He played a crucial role in mentoring generations of journalists, many of whom now lead Pakistan’s sports desks. His dedication to fairness, accuracy, and compassion helped raise the standard of sports journalism nationwide.

Outside of work, Sufi was known for his quiet generosity and love for cricket, often attending matches not as a reporter but as a fan, sharing his insights and encouragement with players and colleagues alike.

His passing is mourned not only by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and former players but also by an entire generation of journalists who owe much of their professional ethos to him. In the words of the PCB: “This is a huge loss. May Allah grant him eternal peace.”

Syed Muhammad Sufi’s legacy endures—not only in the articles and reports he left behind but in the lives of those he inspired. His story is a reminder that journalism is not just about telling stories, but about shaping them with integrity, dedication, and heart.

Photo courtesy: Dawn