MS Shanker
Syed Abid Ali, the dynamic Indian cricket all-rounder renowned for his spirited performances in the 1960s and 70s, passed away in the United States after a prolonged illness. Born on September 9, 1941, in Hyderabad, Abid Ali’s cricketing journey was marked by versatility, dedication, and a passion that left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
Abid Ali’s affinity for cricket blossomed during his school years at St. George’s Grammar School and All Saints High School in Hyderabad. His exceptional fielding skills earned him a spot in the Hyderabad Schools team in 1956, where he impressed by scoring 82 runs against Kerala and clinched the best fielder’s prize. Initially starting as a wicketkeeper, he transitioned into a bowler, showcasing his adaptability. He made his First-Class debut for Hyderabad in the 1959-60 season. Over 212 First-Class matches, he amassed 8,732 runs at an average of 29.30, including 13 centuries, and took 397 wickets at an average of 28.55, with 14 five-wicket hauls.
Abid Ali’s international debut was nothing short of remarkable. In the 1967 Adelaide Test against Australia, he took 6 wickets for 55 runs, the best by an Indian on debut at that time. His batting prowess was evident with scores of 81 and 78 in subsequent matches of the series. A true all-rounder, he could open both batting and bowling, field with brilliance, and even keep wickets when required. Over 29 Test matches, he scored 1,018 runs and took 47 wickets. In the 1971 series against the West Indies, he was at the non-striker’s end when Sunil Gavaskar scored the winning runs in Port of Spain. Notably, he bowled Rohan Kanhai and Garry Sobers in consecutive balls in the final Test of that series. Later that year, he hit the winning boundary when India defeated England by four wickets at The Oval.
After retiring from active play, Abid Ali dedicated himself to nurturing young talent. He coached the junior team of Hyderabad, moved to California in 1980, and later coached teams in the Maldives and the United Arab Emirates between 2002 and 2005. His commitment to the sport remained unwavering as he continued to coach promising youngsters at the Stanford Cricket Academy in California.
Abid Ali’s personal life was intertwined with cricket. His son, Syed Faaqer Ali, married Nishad Fatima, the daughter of former Indian wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani. Tragically, Faaqer passed away in 2008 at the age of 33 due to a heart attack.
Abid Ali’s career was filled with memorable moments. He was erroneously declared dead in the early 1990s following a heart bypass surgery, leading to premature obituaries. This incident highlighted the affection and concern the cricketing community had for him.
As a sports journalist, the author chronicled Abid Ali’s experiences in the ‘My Most Memorable and Miserable’ column of Sportworld, a premier sports magazine published by Anand Bazar Patrika. Edited by the esteemed former Indian skipper Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi—under whose captaincy Abid Ali played—the magazine provided readers with intimate insights into the highs and lows of sports personalities. Abid Ali’s stories added depth to its rich narrative.
Syed Abid Ali’s journey from the maidans of Hyderabad to international cricket arenas exemplifies passion, resilience, and versatility. His contributions as a player and coach have left an enduring legacy, inspiring future generations of cricketers. His demise is a profound loss to the cricketing world, but his spirit and achievements will continue to resonate with fans and players alike.
