Syed Abid Ali, the former Indian all-rounder celebrated for his versatile skills and remarkable fielding, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83 after battling a prolonged illness. He was a distinguished member of Hyderabad’s cricketing fraternity, which included luminaries such as MAK Pataudi, ML Jaisimha, and Abbas Ali Baig. His death occurred in the United States.
The North America Cricket League (NACL) announced the news of Abid Ali’s demise. In a Facebook post, NACL expressed profound respect and admiration, sharing the passing of Syed Abid Ali, an Indian cricketing legend who resided in Tracy, California. NACL highlighted his enduring legacy and inspiration for pursuing excellence.
NACL acknowledged its debt to Syed Abid Ali’s tireless efforts and contributions, as well as the growth of cricket in the Bay Area, recognizing his significant impact on the Northern California Cricket Association (NCCA).
NACL urged remembrance of him in prayers and celebration of his remarkable legacy, honoring his memory by continuing to pursue passions with dedication and perseverance. Ali’s Test debut was in December 1967 against Australia in Adelaide, where he made a striking entry with 6/55 in the first innings—his best career bowling performance.
His batting talent shone in the same series, scoring 78 and 81 in the Sydney Test, demonstrating his all-round abilities. Between 1967 and 1974, Ali represented India in 29 Tests, amassing 1,018 runs and taking 47 wickets.
He was considered ahead of his time, known for his strong work ethic, rapid running between wickets, and being one of the finest fielders of his era.
Ali achieved a rare feat, opening both batting and bowling for India in several matches, including series against New Zealand in 1968, at home in 1969, and on the 1971 tour of the West Indies.
His One Day International (ODI) career, though brief, was historically significant. He was part of the Ajit Wadekar-led Indian team that played its first ODI in 1974 against England at Headingley, a 55-over match which India lost. In that game, he scored 17 runs batting at No. 8 and opened the bowling, conceding 51 runs in nine overs.
In the second ODI at The Oval, another loss for India, Ali batted at No. 10 and took his first wicket, with figures of 1/21 from 11 overs. Ali also participated in the inaugural 1975 ODI World Cup, playing in three matches.
His best ODI performance was against New Zealand, where he scored 70 runs off 98 balls. In his five ODI appearances, he scored 93 runs and claimed seven wickets.
Domestically, Ali played 212 first-class matches, scoring 8,732 runs with a top score of 173 not out, and took 397 wickets, with best figures of 6/23.
Tributes poured in from the cricket community, remembering him as a dedicated mentor, team player, and a remarkable individual. Madan Lal, the World Cup-winning all-rounder, expressed his sadness, remembering Ali as a great team man and good human being, offering condolences to his family.
MSK Prasad, former chief National selector and wicketkeeper, recalled Ali’s time as Andhra coach, noting his role in instilling a winning mentality and transforming the team into a dominant force in domestic cricket for a decade. Prasad emphasized that Ali’s contributions to Andhra cricket would always be remembered.
