New Delhi, March 12 – Former Indian all-rounder Syed Abid Ali, known for his versatility and exceptional fielding skills, passed away on Wednesday after a prolonged illness at the age of 83. His demise marks the end of an era for Hyderabad cricket, as he was part of an illustrious group of cricketers that included M.A.K. Pataudi, M.L. Jaisimha, and Abbas Ali Baig. Abid Ali breathed his last in the United States, where he had been residing.
As per agency report, the news of his passing was shared by the North America Cricket League (NACL). In a heartfelt tribute on its official Facebook page, NACL acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the game, especially in developing cricket in the Bay Area, California. The league expressed deep gratitude for his dedication and called his legacy an inspiration for aspiring cricketers.
Abid Ali made his Test debut for India in December 1967 against Australia in Adelaide, making an immediate impact by taking six wickets for 55 runs in the first innings—his best bowling figures in Test cricket. In the same series, he showcased his batting prowess, scoring 78 and 81 in the Sydney Test, underlining his all-round capabilities.
Between 1967 and 1974, he played 29 Test matches for India, amassing 1,018 runs and claiming 47 wickets. He was renowned for his quick running between the wickets and was regarded as one of the finest fielders of his time. A rare distinction in his career was opening both the batting and bowling for India in multiple matches, including encounters against New Zealand in 1968, on home soil in 1969, and during the historic 1971 tour of the West Indies.
Although his One Day International (ODI) career was brief, it was historic. He was part of Ajit Wadekar's Indian team that played its first-ever ODI against England at Headingley in 1974, a 55-over contest that India lost. Abid Ali also featured in the inaugural 1975 Cricket World Cup, playing three matches for India. His most notable ODI performance came against New Zealand, where he scored 70 runs off 98 balls. In total, he played five ODIs, scoring 93 runs and taking seven wickets.
On the domestic front, he had a stellar career, playing 212 first-class matches. He scored 8,732 runs, with an unbeaten 173 as his highest score, and took 397 wickets, with his best bowling figures being six for 23.
Tributes poured in from the cricketing fraternity, remembering him as a dedicated mentor, a valuable team player, and a gentleman of the sport. Former Indian all-rounder and World Cup winner Madan Lal mourned his loss, remembering him as a great team player and a wonderful human being. Former chief national selector and wicketkeeper MSK Prasad fondly recalled Abid Ali's tenure as the coach of Andhra Pradesh, highlighting how he transformed the team from mere participants into fierce competitors.
Abid Ali’s contributions to Indian and Andhra cricket will always be cherished. His legacy as an all-rounder, mentor, and pioneer in Indian cricket remains etched in history.
