Former India all-rounder and one of Hyderabad’s finest cricketers, Syed Abid Ali, passed away in the United States on Wednesday at the age of 83. Known for his grit, all-round abilities, and sharp cricketing mind, Abid Ali played a pivotal role in India’s historic victory at The Oval in 1971, where he had the honor of scoring the winning runs in the landmark Test against England.
A versatile player, Abid Ali featured in 29 Tests, claiming 47 wickets with his effective medium-pace bowling. His agility on the field and lightning-fast running between the wickets made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.
Abid Ali announced himself on the international stage with a sensational Test debut during the 1967-68 tour of Australia, where he registered figures of 6/55 in Brisbane. His stellar performance caught the attention of cricket great Frank Tyson, who admired his bowling prowess. In the same series, he displayed his batting skills, scoring 78 and 81 in the Sydney Test, further establishing himself as a dependable all-rounder.
Also Read: Former PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan passes away aged 89
Despite his contributions, Abid Ali often found himself at the receiving end of unfair treatment from the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). Though he remained a respected figure in Indian cricket, he did not always receive the recognition he deserved at the domestic level.
After retiring from international cricket, he took up coaching roles, guiding teams in Maldives, UAE, and the Andhra Ranji squad. He remained deeply connected to the game and always acknowledged M.L. Jaisimha as his mentor and ‘guru.’
Abid Ali’s journey in cricket was marked by extraordinary incidents, one of which was the mistaken publication of his obituary in the early 1990s due to a journalist’s error. The resilient cricketer, however, took it in stride and continued his association with the game.
His legacy extended beyond his own career, as he saw his son, Faqeer Ali, marry the daughter of former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani, further strengthening his family’s ties with Indian cricket.
With his passing, India has lost a cricketer who played a crucial role in shaping its early successes on the international stage. Syed Abid Ali’s contributions to Indian cricket will always be remembered, and he will forever remain an inspiration for generations to come.
(This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Raavi Media takes no responsibility or liability of any nature. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com can alter or delete the content without notice for any reason.)
