Pakistan’s former Test opener Alimuddin passes away in London

Staff Report

LAHORE: Pakistan’s former opening batsman Alimuddin died in London on Thursday after protracted illness. He was 81-year-old. Born in Ajmer (British India) on December 15, 1930, Alimuddin played 25 Tests for Pakistan from 1954 to 1962, scoring 1091 runs. He also scored 7275 runs in 140 first class games. Alimuddin preferred attack to defence and was an outstanding fielder. He was the leading batsman during the 1954-55 series with India and scored 103 in Karachi. During the disastrous 1962 tour to England, Alimuddin top-scored in both innings with 50 and 60 at the Leeds Test. In the early years, he formed a stable opening pair with little master Hanif Muhammad. In the Karachi Test of 1962, he hit a stroke-filled 109 against England. He was known for his solid technique and was a member of the team that defeated England at The Oval in 1954. 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 and 73 days. After captaining Karachi B, he became the national coach before moving to London to work for Pakistan International Airlines.

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