Ajmal Hasan Khan, the Canadian billionaire and founder of the Caribbean Premier League, tragically passed away at the age of 60 in Dubai due to a suspected cardiac arrest. The incident occurred after a workout at a five-star hotel resort on The Palm Jumeirah, where Khan was staying alone at the time. His family friend Nadeem Khan shared that Ajmal collapsed shortly after complaining of uneasiness to a hotel staff member. The family is currently working with local authorities to repatriate Khan’s body to Canada, as they are still in shock and trying to come to terms with the sudden loss. Khan’s passing has deeply saddened both his family and the wider community, with roots in the renowned Burlington family in Lucknow.
As the eldest of three brothers, Khan was not only the founder and president of the Verus Group of Companies but also gained significant recognition for his role in founding and bankrolling the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Born in Nigeria to parents of Indian descent, Khan later acquired Canadian citizenship after living in England. He primarily resided in Barbados, where he had numerous business interests. In 2013, he launched the first edition of the CPL, a franchise-based cricket league that features both Caribbean and international players.
Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg was among those who took an equity interest in the Barbados Trident, one of the six teams in the CPL, at the recommendation of Khan. Wahlberg, grateful to Khan for introducing him to Barbados and the league, expressed his newfound love for cricket as a result. Funeral prayers for Khan will be held on Saturday at Meadowvale Cemetery in Mississauga, Canada, as friends, family, and colleagues mourn his untimely passing. Medical experts emphasize the importance of thorough evaluation and exercise testing before engaging in intense physical activity, as vigorous workouts can pose a fatal risk, especially for individuals with underlying cardiac conditions.
In conclusion, Ajmal Hasan Khan’s sudden passing has left a void in the business and cricketing community, with many mourning the loss of a visionary leader and entrepreneur. His contributions to the Caribbean Premier League and the broader sports industry will be remembered by those who knew and worked with him. As friends and family prepare to honor his memory at the funeral prayers in Canada, the legacy of Ajmal Hasan Khan will endure through the impact he made during his lifetime. It serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and well-being, especially in the pursuit of physical fitness and strenuous activities.