Pakistan's Wasim Raja dies of heart attack in match

KARACHI, Aug 23 (Reuters) Former Pakistan all rounder Wasim Raja died of a heart attack today in London, a Pakistan team official said. He was 54.

The assistant manager of the Pakistan touring side in London told Reuters that Wasim, who played 57 tests and 54 one-day internationals, died while playing in a club match.

''We have been told by his wife that he died of a heart attack while playing a friendly game today. We are getting further details,'' Asad Mustafa said on telephone.

Wasim was rated as one of Pakistan's most gifted all rounders due to his swashbuckling batting and ability to bowl pace and leg-spin.

He was coach of the Pakistan team in 1997 and was also a International Cricket Council (ICC) elite panel match referee.

He had settled in London after marrying a Englishwoman while studying in Durham.

His younger brother, Rameez Raja also played test cricket and captained Pakistan.

REUTERS DH RAI2141