Farukh Malik

So very sad; you left us all far too early, Farukh. A tragic loss particularly for your family, and also for the cricketing communities of RBCC and Belgium as a whole. You were a true giant of RBCC who played the game both seriously and fairly. Looking back at my time with RBCC, I consider myself fortunate to have played so many games in the same team as you. And let us not forget just how much you put back into the game we love, especially coaching, but other off field contributions too. I still remember receiving that phone call during a week following an injury (and A&E visit), to ask me how i was. And of course the many curries and other meals following social games including the one to mark our friend Ike's 10th anniversary which was sadly the last time we met. Rest in peace. From Richard ex RBCC and now in Luxembourg.

Dear Farukh, you were the first person to welcome us to RBCC, at nets one Thursday in April 1989 - you made everyone you met feel special, and into the team that weekend (well, it was an away match in NL…). You were a man of huge talent and character, but also a great friend to so many. We both remember especially you in your Panama hat on tour in Ireland, charming all the locals. Your send-off was a great tribute to how you had given to so many people from so many walks of life. We will miss you hugely in RBCC, and you will be missed even more by all your family. Our thoughts and prayers…Colin & Sue

RBCC’s most honoured player - Club Captain, highest runs, most wickets National team captain, head coach – these just some of the reasons you were awarded life membership of the club. Arriving from Paksitan aged just 18 years old you made the club your home and its members became family. The club supported you in your time of need and you repaid them a thousandfold in the dedication, love and respect you gave the club and your teammates over 40 years. It was a privilege to play alongside you, I always felt we could win the game and invariably we did. You had one of the best cricket brains I ever met. In recent years, what a joy its been to coach the juniors together with you. I would focus on the basics but it was you who could spot the potential and nurture their talent. So many kids developed not just in to fine cricketers but became fine individuals under your tutelage. You leave behind a gaping hole which can’t be filled; amongst your family who made you so proud and were in turn so proud of you, and all of us who have known you and shared a part of life together. I will miss your delicious food, the huge welcoming smile greeting me each time at the club, your confidence in club matters, but most of all for your friendship. Thank you for the memories. Rest in peace.

Very Good person. Always found him positive energetic & pure Person. May Allah bless you Jannat ul Fardous.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. May Allah grant him highest rank in jannah Ameen ❤️

Bat straight Al! Softer hands on the drop shots Al! I can still hear the wise words now from Farukh c. 25 years ago in Brussels at Winners Squash Club where we played squash together several times a week (I never won!) and at RBCC at Ohain (and a few great 'tours' to Kent). I'm sure I've still got the bruises through the gloves from the 'it's fine Al, you can stand up to me' times! A fine sportsman, very competitive and always extremely generous in his time and hospitality. You'll be sorely missed Rookie :-((

I can still picture your smiling face and you putting your arm around me saying ‘hello sweetheart’ over the many many years I’ve had the honour of calling you friend. I still can’t believe you’re gone, Rookie. You will be dearly missed every single day. Sending your family so much strength during this difficult time. Until we meet again, my friend. Much love.

May you find peace wherever you are and may Allah gives your family strength to go through this. You treated me like your own kid since the first day I came to RBCC. You didn’t only coach cricket but shaped personalities. Many people will come and go from our lives but only few can have an impact like yours. From the belgium u19 tour in Germany where you would sing songs whilst driving us to the ground and sharing your cricketing memories. There are so many memories we had and yeh words can’t express the love I have for you and the pain I feel right now. Also ,Don’t worry I won’t forget bringing the Yorkshire tea from England. Thanks for Everything . From every throw down to the food you would feed us . All those times you stood up for me , believed in me and said ‘Kid you can bat , just believe ‘. So I believe that I will see you again one day somewhere far to thank you , to tell you that we all love you so much and that your biryani is special haha . Allah ap ko janat mein Aaala mukaam ata furmye. Ameen ❤️