In the past month, Indian men’s cricket has seen moments of both celebration and loss. Among the losses is Syed Abid Ali, who passed away in the United States on Wednesday at the age of 83, joining the ranks of veterans Milind Rege and Padmakar Shivalkar in a better place.
Ali played for India in 29 Tests from 1967 to 1974. As a medium-pacer, he stood out as one of the most agile fielders Indian cricket has ever seen. One of his most iconic moments was scoring the winning runs at the Oval in England in 1971. Like Ravindra Jadeja in the recent Champions Trophy final, Ali was batting at No. 8. According to ESPN Cricinfo, he also represented India in five ODIs between 1974 and 1975 — which happened to be the country’s first-ever ODIs. Across his Test career, Ali claimed 47 wickets, including career-best figures of 6 for 55 in his debut innings against Australia in Adelaide. With the bat, he notched up six Test-match fifties, including twin fifties in Sydney later in that debut series.
A social media post by the North America Cricket League announced: “It is with profound reverence and a heart full of admiration that I share with you the passing of uncle Syed Abid Ali a cricketing legend from India who made Tracy, California, his home, and whose remarkable legacy continues to inspire us to strive for excellence. He played for Indian Cricket Team. His extraordinary inspiration and role modeling continue to energise me, embodying the spirit of excellence that motivates us all to reach new heights. The North America Cricket League (NACL) and the growth of cricket in the Bay Area owe a debt of gratitude to his tireless efforts and contributions to the Northern California Cricket Association (NCCA), a testament to his enduring impact. Let us remember him in our prayers and celebrate his remarkable legacy, honoring his memory by continuing to pursue our passions with dedication and perseverance.”
Born in Hyderabad, Abid Ali rose from modest beginnings to establish an illustrious career for India in the late 1960s and early 1970s. A gritty all-rounder, he was celebrated for his versatility. As a bowler, his medium pace extracted movement even from unresponsive surfaces. With the bat, he was a dependable lower-order fighter, stepping up when his team needed him the most. Above all, his relentless work ethic epitomized quiet resilience — the kind that often escapes the limelight.
Abid Ali made an unforgettable Test debut in 1967 against Australia in Adelaide, where he impressed with a five-wicket haul — an exceptional feat for an Indian pacer on foreign soil at the time. He became a core part of the Indian team during a pivotal era in its cricketing journey. Known for his precision and stamina, Ali frequently delivered crucial breakthroughs under pressure with his impeccable line and length.
His contributions were especially critical during India’s landmark 1971 tour of the West Indies. While Sunil Gavaskar’s heroics are celebrated from that series, Ali’s underappreciated efforts were instrumental in securing India’s first-ever Test series victory in the Caribbean. That same year, in England, Ali’s all-round abilities once again shone in India’s iconic series win, proving his flair for rising to the occasion in high-stakes matches.
Beyond his cricketing achievements, Ali stood out for his grounded and unassuming nature. A “cricketer’s cricketer,” he shunned flamboyance in favor of reliability. His quiet dignity earned him admiration not only from teammates but also from opponents who respected his sportsmanship and unwavering dedication.
After stepping away from international cricket, Ali remained devoted to nurturing young talent, particularly in the United States, where he mentored aspiring cricketers. His love for the game never diminished, and he carried the same humility and warmth in his post-cricket life that had defined his playing days.
Condoling his death, Sunil Gavaskar told The Times of India: “Very sad news, he was a lion-hearted cricketer who did anything for his team,” adding: “he was a thorough gentleman with impeccable manners who spoke professionally.”
The passing of Abid Ali signals the end of an era — a reminder of a time when cricket was played with an extraordinary blend of grit and grace. While his contributions may not have always grabbed headlines, they remain deeply engraved in the story of Indian cricket. For those who had the privilege of knowing him or watching him, he will always be remembered fondly.
Statistics:
Tests:
Matches 29
Bowling:
- Wickets: 47
- Economy: 2.85
- Innings Best: 6/55
- 5 Wickets: Once
Batting:
- Innings: 53
- Runs: 1018
- Average: 20.36
- Highest: 81
- 50s: Thrice
ODIs
Matches: 5
Bowling:
- Wickets: 7
- Economy: 3.33
- Best:2/22
- Batting:
- Innings: 3
- Runs: 93
- Highest: 70
- Average: 31
- 50s: Once
