Syed Abil Ali, an all-rounder who played 29 Test matches for India between December 1967 and December 1974, died in Tracy, California, at the age of 83, according to a social media post made by his relative, Reza Khan of the North America Cricket League (NACL), on Wednesday. From the maidans of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, to the stars of the Indian cricket team in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Abid Ali was a lower-order batter and medium-pace bowler.
"It is with profound reverence and a heart full of admiration that I share with you the passing of Uncle Syed Abid Ali a cricketing legend from India who made Tracy, California, his home, and whose remarkable legacy continues to inspire us to strive for excellence. He played for Indian Cricket Team. His extraordinary inspiration and role modeling continue to energize me, embodying the spirit of excellence that motivates us all to reach new heights," said Reza Khan in his post on the official page of NACL on Facebook.
Abid Ali played his final Test match against the West Indies beginning on December 15, 1974, after making his Test debut against Australia on December 23, 1967. He amassed 1,018 runs at an average of 20.36 in 29 Test matches, including six half-centuries. He achieved a maximum score of 81. With a best haul of 6/55, Abid Ali also took 47 wickets at an average of 42.12.
In five One-Day International matches, he also played for India, amassing 93 runs with a highest score of 70. At 26.71, he took seven wickets. Abid Ali was a mainstay of First-Class cricket, playing primarily for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy and amassing 8,732 runs in 212 games. With a peak score of 173 not out, he amassed 31 fifties and 13 hundreds in FC.
Abid Ali took 397 wickets in his 212 games, including five in an innings on 14 occasions. In 12 List A games, he also got 19 wickets and scored 169 runs. Following his retirement from cricket, Abid Ali immigrated to the US and settled in California. Reza Khan claimed in his Facebook post that Abid Ali was instrumental in advancing cricket in California.
"The North America Cricket League (NACL) and the growth of cricket in the Bay Area owe a debt of gratitude to his tireless efforts and contributions to the Northern California Cricket Association (NCCA), a testament to his enduring impact. Let us remember him in our prayers and celebrate his remarkable legacy, honoring his memory by continuing to pursue our passions with dedication and perseverance," said REza Khan in his post.