NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan Test captain and renowned batsman of his era, Saeed Ahmed, breathed his last at the age of 86, after leading a quiet life away from cricket since his retirement.
Ahmed's illustrious career spanned 41 Test matches, during which he amassed 2,991 runs, including five centuries and 16 half-centuries. Additionally, he contributed with 22 wickets through his off-spin bowling.
Also See:
How to watch IPL 2024 live in USAMaking his Test debut against the West Indies in the historic drawn Bridgetown Test of 1958 at the age of 20, Ahmed showcased his talent until his final Test appearance against Australia in Melbourne during the 1972-73 tour.
However, his cricketing journey ended on a sour note during that tour, marred by controversy surrounding an alleged back injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accused Ahmed of feigning injury to avoid facing Australian pacer Dennis Lillee on a challenging pitch in Sydney, leading to his expulsion from the tour on disciplinary grounds.
Despite the unfortunate end to his career, Ahmed was celebrated for his elegance on the field, particularly his graceful drives down the ground and ability to score big runs.
Notably, in his debut Test against the West Indies, Ahmed partnered with Hanif Muhammad in a 150-plus run stand, with Muhammad crafting a historic 337 in the second innings, contributing significantly to Pakistan's draw.
Ahmed also served as Pakistan's sixth Test captain during England's tour of Pakistan in 1969, leading the side in three drawn Tests.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed condolences on behalf of the cricketing fraternity, praising Ahmed's contributions to Pakistani cricket. "He served Pakistan with all his heart, and the PCB honors his record and services for the Test team," Naqvi stated.
Saeed Ahmed's legacy extends beyond his cricketing prowess, as his half-brother, Younus Ahmed, also represented Pakistan in four Tests, further enriching the family's cricketing lineage.
(With inputs from PTI)The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
Read MoreThe TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide.
From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more.
The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics.
We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects.
We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.
Read Less
Start a Conversation
Post comment