Former Indian cricketer Syed Abid Ali passed away at 83 on Wednesday, March 12. A remarkable all-rounder of his time, he played 29 Test matches and five ODIs for India between 1967 and 1975.
Known for his exceptional fielding skills, Abid Ali was a dynamic presence on the field. His medium-pace bowling and valuable contributions with the bat in the lower-middle order made him a key player in India’s historic Test series wins against the West Indies and England in 1971.
Syed Abid Ali Died
Former Indian all-rounder Syed Abid Ali passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness. Known for his versatility and sharp fielding skills, he was a key figure in Indian cricket.
Abid Ali was part of Hyderabad’s esteemed cricketing group alongside legends like MAK Pataudi, ML Jaisimha, and Abbas Ali Baig. He spent his later years in the United States, where he passed away. The North America Cricket League (NACL) confirmed his demise, stating, “With deep reverence, we share the passing of Syed Abid Ali, a cricketing legend who made Tracy, California, his home. His remarkable legacy continues to inspire us to strive for excellence.”
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About Syed Abid Ali
Born on September 9, 1941, in Hyderabad, Syed Abid Ali made an instant impact in international cricket during his debut Test tour of Australia in 1967-68. Playing his first Test in Adelaide, he impressed with a six-wicket haul in the first innings and scored 33 runs in both innings, despite India losing the match by 146 runs. He continued to shine in Sydney, where he registered impressive scores of 78 and 81.
Abid Ali also represented India in five ODIs, all during the inaugural Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1975. His standout performance came against New Zealand in Manchester, where he scored a 98-ball 70 and took two wickets, demonstrating his all-round abilities. Many believe that if he had played in the modern era, he would have been regarded as one of the finest all-rounders in white-ball cricket.
Sunil Gavaskar Remembers Abid Ali as a “Lion-Hearted Cricketer”
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar paid tribute to Syed Abid Ali, describing him as a “lion-hearted cricketer” who always put the team first.
“Very sad news. He was a lion-hearted cricketer who did anything the team needed. Despite being an all-rounder who batted in the middle order, he opened the batting when required. He took some incredible catches in the leg-side cordon, adding an even sharper edge to our wonderful spin quartet,” Gavaskar told Cricbuzz.
Remembering Abid Ali’s personality, he added, “He was a thorough gentleman with impeccable manners who spoke professorially. Heartfelt condolences to his family.”
After retiring, Abid Ali moved to the United States, where he dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring young cricketers.
In his Test career spanning 29 matches, he scored 1,018 runs and took 47 wickets. His first-class career was equally impressive, amassing 8,732 runs, including 13 centuries, and claiming 397 wickets, with 14 five-wicket hauls.
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FAQs
Q.1. Who was Syed Abid Ali?
Ans. Syed Abid Ali was a former Indian all-rounder known for his medium-pace bowling, sharp fielding, and contributions to India’s historic Test wins in 1971.
Q.2. What were Syed Abid Ali’s career statistics?
Ans. He played 29 Tests, scoring 1,018 runs and taking 47 wickets. In first-class cricket, he amassed 8,732 runs and claimed 397 wickets.
Q.3. When and where did Syed Abid Ali pass away?
Ans. He passed away on March 12, 2025, in the United States after a prolonged illness.
Q.4. What was Syed Abid Ali’s contribution to Indian cricket?
Ans. He was a key player in India’s Test series victories in England and the West Indies in 1971 and represented India in the 1975 Cricket World Cup.
Q.5. How did Sunil Gavaskar remember Syed Abid Ali?
Ans. Sunil Gavaskar called him a “lion-hearted cricketer” who always put the team first and was known for his gentlemanly demeanor.
