Legendary batsman Alimuddin passes away in London
Alimuddin pictured during Pakistan’s tour of England in 1962. – Photo courtesy Boundary Books
KARACHI: Pakistan’s legendary opening batsman Alimuddin died after protracted illness, reports said on Thursday.
According to former Pakistan Test captain Mushtaq Muhammad, the 81-year-old former opener died in London. He never married in his life, Mushtaq informed state-run news agency APP.
Born in Ajmer (British India) on December 15, 1930, Alimuddin played 25 Test matches for Pakistan from 1954 to 1962, scoring 1091 runs and as well as 7275 runs in 140 first-class games.
He was the leading batsman during the 1954-55 series against India and scored 103 runs in a match at Karachi. During the disastrous 1962 tour to England, Alimuddin top-scored at Leeds with 50 and 60 runs.
In the early years, he formed a stable opening pair with little master Hanif Muhammad. In the Karachi Test of 1962, Alimuddin he hit a stroke-filled 109 against England. He was known for his solid technique and was a member of the team which defeated England at the Oval in 1954.
According to the report, he was the youngest person to have played first-class cricket, appearing for Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy at the age of just 12 years 73 days.
“Alimuddin was my senior partner and I learnt a great deal from him,” former Pakistan captain, Hanif Muhammad, a close friend of Alim said.
“Its sad day for cricket because he served Pakistan with great deal of honour and dignity,” he recalled.
“We met last year at Lord’s, London and I enjoyed his company,” Muhammad recalled.
He said, along with elder brothers Raees Muhammad and Wazir Muhammad, they used to make trips to Junagadh to watch Alimuddin in action during Ranji Trophies matches.
“He (Alim) remained well-dressed throughout his life and was a dedicated cricketer and modest person,” he said.
Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad paid glowing tributes Alimuddin for his services to cricket for his kindness to junior cricketers.
“He was in PIA in London and always helped fellow cricketers,” he said.
“Alim remained in cricketing circles throughout his life and used to arrange cricket matches,” Miandad said.
First-class cricketer Asif Ahmed, who played under Alimuddin recalled “Alimuddin Sahab always supported youngsters and it was under his leadership that Karachi Blues won the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in 1962.”
Inna Lilahi wa inna Ilayhi Rajium
I will miss my uncle Alimuddin who i loved dearly like my father. Im his nephew from his older brother Azimuddin. I was really close to him. We also used to live together in Karachi, Pakistan and in England before i migrated to USA. He always taught me how to be honest and i will always miss his advices. He used to always take pleasure into helping other people. The hole in my heart can never be fixed without him. May Allah grant him Jannat Firdaus.
Alimuddin my cousin. I knew him from childhood. We grew up together in Ajmer Rajasthan India. He was more friend than my cousin. In his last days I used to phone him every week about his health. Allah (SHT) bless him and give his soul Janna-tul-Firdoss. I will miss him forever.
Shahabuddin
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna ILayhi Rajium
May Allah bless his soul and grant my grandfather AlimUddin Ajannat Firdaus. I had a pleasure spending time with him a whole month in London as I attended Lords match: Pakistan vs Australia 2010. I had an honor to visit the chairmans box at Lords as he was granted honor to ring the start of play bell for day 2 of the match. I visited Lord's Long room which is not allowed for everyone only allowed for members, because of my grandfather they allowed me to go. I play cricket in Los Angeles, California as he would give me a lot of tips on becoming a batsmen and tell me his stories about cricket in the past. He wanted to see me become a good cricketer and represent my country U.S.A as another member of the family represents his country. My plans was to go to London and spend my summer vacation with him and learn more valuable advices and he wanted me to join the Lord's youth program. May Allah guide me to the right direction and follow my grandfather's footsteps, dignity, pride, and honesty. He will remain in my heart forever.
Alimuddin was a great cricketer nut he was like a grandfather after his brother azimuddin passed away. He taught me how to play cricket and he was the reason why i play in the US. It was hard to see him on the hospital bed and at his home through skype but it is even harder to see him leave us for good. May allah grant you peace and serenity in heaven. We all love u and you'llalways be in my heart.
– Rahim Mohamed (Grand Nephew)
I am also among the lucky ones who saw that classic 109 at karachi in 1962. And omer qureshi said he has packed his bag for the english tour of 1962. I met him at lords in 2006 and he took me to the members stand for the afternoon and cared for me like an uncle. Was jovial and blunt in his opinions. May he rest in peace in jannat ! Hashim ali Dubai.
pakistan lost a legend cricketer……………………………………..
may ALLAH bless on him……………………………..
"He was the youngest person to have played first-class cricket, appearing for Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy at the age of just 12 years 73 days."
That is amazing. Pele' began his career in football at Santos of Brazil when he was 14. Bobby Fischer won the US Open chess tournament at 14.
Alimuddin must have had very special skills because 12 years old is extremely young even for a debut in professional sports.. It is enough for people just to say "I saw him play in the old days."
Memories! Take me back to mid-late 50s(?) when I'd sneak out of school to listen to the Pakistan team progress on a transistor radio, paying special attention to the names like Hanif, Saeed AND Alim! (I dont quite recall now the dates each played).
Then money wasnt part of the contest.
I pray for the departed soul and my condolences to his family.
I watched one of the most decent cricketers of his era, Alimuddin, open quite a few Test innings. What I want to know is does any one recall the hilarious incident, when one of the actresses of the time, had announced before a Test against India, that if any Pakistani cricketer made a century, she would marry him, EXCEPT Aliumuddin!!! And it so happened that he was the ONLY one who scored the century!! Could this be the reason he never marrie!!. I wish in our current national team we have half as decent a cricketer as Alimuddin. May Allah Grant him Jannatul Firdous..Ameen.