By Frederick Halley

CONDOLENCE messages have been pouring in from several associations, members and players of the softball fraternity in both Guyana and North America, following the sudden passing of prominent softball stalwart Khalid Haslim, popularly known as Bilal.

The 41-year-old Haslim, who hails from Industry, East Coast Demerara, reportedly died from a heart attack last Friday morning, sending shockwaves among softball officials and players alike.

President of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc,, Ian John, in an emotional message said: “I was with great shock and disbelief when I got the news on Friday morning that the tall and energetic Khalid Haslim had passed away with a suspected heart attack. Nevertheless, the great Almighty knows best.”

According to John, “I have known Bilal for several years and he always had a positive outlook on life. Mr Mahendra Hardyal, the owner of Regal, spoke to me in shock about his passing, saying he had lost a brother who always toured with the Regal teams when the International softball tournaments were played in the USA.

“For all his flamboyance and phenomenal accomplishments in the earlier days when he was captain of Regal softball team, he always had a never-say-die attitude, and regardless of the situation he had that self-belief that the task could be accomplished.

“The softball fraternity has lost a true son of the soil who would have gotten a dramatic impact on many lives. Bilal was a family man and his wife and father would periodically come and see him play. His younger brother Waslim Haslim who resides in the USA and represented Regal in the GT&T 10/10 tournaments was also a very passionate player and would miss his brother very much.

“I would like to extend on behalf of the executives and members of Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. our deepest sympathy to his wife, relatives and numerous friends. May his soul Rest in Peace.”

President of Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Azeem Khan also expressed shock on hearing of the death of Haslim, Khan said the OMSCC is saddened to hear of Bilal’s death, whom he described as a true gentleman cricketer. “We will miss him dearly. On behalf of the OMSCC, I extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his loved ones. May our brother Bilal, Rest in Peace.”

Ravib Babulall, president of the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) also spoke highly of Bilal’s contribution to the grassroots sport, pointing out that his input should be recognised in a tangible way.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of his demise. I pray that God will grant his family the strength at this time of grief.”

New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) president Eric Ferrier also extended deepest and sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Bilal.

Former Organising Secretary of Guyana Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA), Royston Ramsarran, pointed out that it’s heartbreaking to know that Bilal “has gone so soon. I will miss him greatly.”

According to another prominent softball stalwart, Bobby Parasnauth, “Words cannot explain how I feel hearing this news today. His presence around softball will be greatly missed. I am reminiscing the great times we had growing up and playing with and against each other. I had the pleasure talking to his mom, dad, brother and his wife today. They are all in pain like most of us around the cricket circle.”

Meanwhile, the funeral for Haslim will take place on Thursday. Viewing will be held at the Muslim Youth Organisation on Woolford Avenue from 12.00hrs to 13.00hrs. His remains will then be taken to Ogle Masjid for further viewing. Burial takes place at Ogle burial ground.

Regal will be hosting a wake tomorrow (Monday) from 15:00hrs to 17:30 hrs at GNIC ground on Woolford Avenue. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, persons attending are kindly asked to wear masks and adhere to the necessary rules regarding the pandemic.