Manzur Ahmed, the chief executive officer of Bangladesh Cricket Board and a former national cricketer, died on January 10 in Dhaka. He was 55.

2012 01 10 2012 01 10 Manzur Ahmed - BCB CEO Manzur Ahmed dies

BCB officials confirmed the news at a programme organised ahead of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament. Manzur was originally scheduled to attend the programme.

A wicketkeeper-batsman in the 1980s, Manzur was appointed as the BCB CEO in September 2010. Earlier, he had served as the CEO of the Brunei Darussalam Cricket Association since 2005, following stints as an executive member and development manager of the association. He was also a member of the Asian Cricket Council's executive board.

"The news of Manzur Ahmed's sudden passing away has shocked everyone at the ICC and our thoughts and prayers go out to members of his family and friends," ICC chief Haroon Lorgat said. "Mr. Ahmed was a respectable person and clearly loved the game of cricket. He will surely be missed by all of his family, friends and cricket colleagues. His sudden passing away comes as a personal shock and reminds me of the value of time and good relations. I had closely worked with him during the organizing of the ICC cricket World Cup 2011."

"I have lost a brother, a friend, a confidante and a fellow cricketer with whom I have enjoyed many fine days on and off the field," ACC chief executive Syed Ashraful Huq said.