Scottish cricket mourns Pakistani star

Scottish cricket was in mourning Tuesday following the death of Pakistan-born bowler Asim Butt at the age of 42.

Cricket Scotland announced that Butt, a left-arm bowler who played 71 matches for his adopted country after settling in Edinburgh, died in his sleep during a visit to his native Lahore.

Scotland team manager Euan McGregor said everyone involved in the game in Scotland had been devastated by the loss of such a popular figure at a tragically young age.

Butt had not been ill before his sudden death, he added. "He was across in Pakistan for a holiday and apparently died in his sleep yesterday (Monday) morning.

"He had an operation a few years back for a blood clot on his brain, but he was fine after that and came back and played cricket." GLASGOW, Wednesday AFP