Thursday, Mar 13 2025 | Time 05:56 Hrs(IST)
SportsPosted at: Mar 13 2025 12:35AM


Unsung Indian cricketer Abid Ali passes away

Hyderabad, Mar 12 (UNI) Indian cricket lost one of its most committed and selfless warriors as former allrounder Syed Abid Ali passed away on Wednesday in California, USA, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) announced.
Abid Ali was 83.
A cricketer who embodied dedication and versatility, Abid Ali left an indelible mark on Indian cricket during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) mourned the loss, describing him as "one of Hyderabad’s cricketing legends." A statement on its official website read, "He passed away on 12 March 2025 in California, USA, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of cricketers and fans alike."
Born in Hyderabad on 9 September 1941, Abid Ali's rise in cricket was fuelled by sheer determination and natural talent.
He played 29 Test matches scoring 1,018 runs with six half-centuries under his belt with an individual top score of 81. He also picked up 47 wickets, with 6/56 being his best innings figures. Abid Ali also turned out for India in 5 One-Day Internationals, proving to be a reliable allrounder, an agile fielder, and a trusted team player. His fearless debut against Australia in 1969, where he announced his arrival with a fighting 33 and six wickets in the match, remains a testament to his tenacity.
However, it was in 1971, under the leadership of Ajit Wadekar, that Abid Ali etched his name in cricketing folklore. As India secured historic overseas Test series victories in England and the West Indies, he played a crucial role in shaping those wins. His gritty 70 not out at The Oval, where he guided India to their maiden Test triumph in England, remains a cherished memory for cricket enthusiasts.
Despite his significant contributions, Abid Ali often remained in the shadows of his more celebrated contemporaries. But those who played alongside him knew his value. His ability to open both the batting and bowling, his relentless energy on the field, and his safe hands in the leg-slip region made him indispensable in an era when India relied heavily on its spin attack.
Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar paid tribute to his former teammate, calling him a "lion-hearted cricketer" who played for the team’s cause with an unwavering spirit. "Abid bhai was the kind of player every captain wanted. He would put his hand up for any role — opening the innings, bowling with the new ball, taking sharp catches close to the bat. He may not have always been in the limelight, but his contributions were invaluable."
Abid Ali continued his love for cricket beyond his playing days, taking up coaching roles in India, UAE, and the USA, where he nurtured young talent. His passion for the game never dimmed, and his wisdom was sought after by aspiring cricketers worldwide. UNI BDN SSP
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