Rafik Khan

From a young age, it was clear that Rafik’s heart beat for cricket. He grew up playing the game

with unmatched passion and talent, representing his school and later playing at the national level

for Guyana in the Benson & Hedges Youth Tournament. To his teammates and friends, Rafik

wasn’t just a player he was a leader, a brother, and a legend of the sport.

When he moved to the United States in 1983, Rafik carried cricket with him wherever he went.

From Brooklyn to Queens and later Florida, he built lifelong friendships on and off the pitch.

Even after retiring from playing, he couldn’t step away completely, he stayed close to the game

as an umpire, always encouraging others and making sure the spirit of cricket lived on.

But Rafik’s proudest achievements were not measured in runs or wickets. In 1986, he married

the love of his life, Nalini, and together they built a beautiful family. His children, Ravina and

Ryan, were his greatest joy, and later, becoming “Papa” to his grandchildren Serani, Ali, and

Zahra filled his heart with even more love. Family was everything to him, he was a devoted

husband, a proud father, and a doting grandfather who made sure everyone felt cared for and

supported.

Rafik had a light-hearted spirit that made life feel easier for those around him. He laughed often,

lived without worries, and never took things too seriously. He had a way of lifting people up

whether it was with a joke, a helping hand, or simply his presence. To know Rafik was to

experience kindness, generosity, and love in its purest form.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Nalini, his children Ravina and Ryan, his son in law Andrew,

his future daughter-in-law Amanda, and his grandchildren Serani, Ali, Zahra and Jada who

adored him. And his favorite girl Lily. He is also remembered by his siblings Nazir, Nina,

Rozina, Annie, Sherry, Neville, and the late Clanton, along with countless nieces, nephews,

extended family, and lifelong friends who will carry his memory forever.

Rafik lived his life as a giver, always thinking of others before himself, always ready to help,

always leaving people better than he found them. His legacy is one of laughter, love, and

selflessness.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire the love and

kindness he so freely gave.

ِإ ِ ِإنَّا

َو ْي ِه ِإنَّ هّلِل ـا هّلِل

ِج ِإ عو َن ِإلَ

َرا

(Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un – Surely we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.)

ُه َّم

ْغ الل فِ ْر ّ

َعْن َو هُ ا ْع ُف َو َعا َو ْار َح ْم فِ ِه لَ هُ ا هُ

(Allahumma ighfir lahu warhamhu wa ‘afihi wa‘fu ‘anhu – O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on

him, grant him peace, and pardon him.)