Former India all-rounder Syed Abid Ali passes away at 83

Former India all-rounder Syed Abid Ali passed away in the US on Wednesday. He was 83.

Abid Ali, who scored 1,018 runs and bagged 47 wickets in 29 Tests, was the member of the Ajit Wadekar-led Indian team which won the historic Test match against England at The Oval in 1971. He scored the winning runs for India in their first-ever Test series win in England.

An all-rounder who batted in the middle order, Abid Ali opened both the batting and bowling for India in the seven Test matches in his career.

The famous Hyderabadi was also known as ‘Chiccha’ in cricketing circles. His son Faqeer Ali is married to former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani’s daughter.

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar remembered him as a lion-hearted cricketer, while commentator Harsha Bhogle shared his personal memories of Abid Ali as his first cricketing hero.

“My first cricket hero. Rejoiced as a child when he had a great debut against Australia, was overjoyed when he scored the winning runs against England in 1971. Great trier, big hearted man. Khudahafiz Abid Chicha,” Bhogle posted on X.

My first cricket hero. Rejoiced as a child when he had a great debut against Australia, was overjoyed when he scored the winning runs against England in 1971. Great trier, big hearted man. Khudahafiz Abid Chicha. #SyedAbidAli pic.twitter.com/OWICAGWCGr

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 12, 2025

Former India player Pragyan Ojha posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Syed Abid Ali sir, the legendary all-rounder from Hyderabad. His contributions to Indian cricket, especially during the 1960s and 70s, will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace!”

Deeply saddened by the passing of Syed Abid Ali sir, the legendary all-rounder from Hyderabad. His contributions to Indian cricket, especially during the 1960s and 70s, will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace! @bcci… pic.twitter.com/SPrnzMmYFl

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) March 12, 2025