Ex-India all-rounder Syed Abid Ali passes away at 83, BCCI pays tribute

Former Indian all-rounder and first-generation cricketing great Syed Abid Ali passed away at the age of 83 on Wednesday, March 12, after a prolonged illness. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mourned the loss of Abid Ali, who was known for his ability with the bat and ball, along with his fielding skills.

Ali, originally from Hyderabad, passed away in Tracy, California. His relative, Reza Khan from the North America Cricket League (NACL), confirmed the news in a social media post. Ali had settled in the United States of America. Several former Indian cricketers have expressed their condolences on his passing.

His Contributions to India’s Historic Victories Will Always Be Remembered - Roger Binny

BCCI President Roger Binny described Syed Abid Ali as a true all-rounder. He stated that Ali played a key role in India’s historic victories during the 1970s. Binny expressed his deepest condolences to Ali’s family and friends.

“Shri Syed Abid Ali was a true all-rounder, a cricketer who embodied the spirit of the game. His contributions to India’s historic victories in the 1970s will always be remembered. His dedication and versatility made him stand out. My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,” Binny said, as quoted from a release by BCCI.

He Was a True Gentleman of the Game - BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia called Syed Abid Ali a true gentleman of the game. Saikia extended his thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.

“Shri Syed Abid Ali’s all-round skills and his contribution to Indian cricket are quite valued. He was a true gentleman of the game. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones,” Devajit Saikia stated.

Syed Abid Ali's Achievements in Domestic and International Cricket

Syed Abid Ali made a remarkable Test debut against Australia in December 1967. He registered his career-best bowling figures of 6/55 in the first innings. The former cricketer added 66 runs across both innings, but India suffered a 146-run loss.

Later in the series, he showcased his batting skills with twin half-centuries (78 and 81) in the final Test in Sydney. However, India struggled throughout the series and suffered a 0-4 whitewash against Australia.

Ali played 29 Test matches between 1967 and 1974 for India. He opened both the batting and bowling for India in seven Tests, three at home and four overseas.

He took 47 wickets, including a five-wicket haul and two four-wicket hauls, in his Test career. With the bat, he scored over 1,000 runs in 53 innings, including six half-centuries.

The all-rounder was also part of the Ajit Wadekar-led team that played India's first-ever ODI in 1974 against England at Headingley. He later played in the inaugural ODI World Cup in 1975, featuring in three matches. His best ODI performance came against New Zealand, where he scored 70 off 98 balls.

The Andhra-born cricketer also had an impressive domestic career. He amassed 8,732 runs in 212 first-class matches, with his highest score being an unbeaten 173. With the ball, he took 397 wickets, with his best bowling figures of 6/23.

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