Kureishi died in a hospital where he was admitted last week after an asthma attack, the official Associated Press of Pakistan said.

The author of several cricket books was also member of the International Cricket Council's panel which selects the world's best Test and one-day international players for annual awards, it said.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan expressed deep sorrow over his death, saying Kureishi had achieved the rare status of becoming a "legend" in the sport during his lifetime.

"His passing away has deprived the cricketing public of a colossus in journalism and broadcasting, who will be mourned by cricket lovers all over the world and especially in Pakistan," Shaharyar said.