16th July 2012

Former Pakistani Test opening batsmen Alimuddin passed away in Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow last Thursday at the age of 81. Alimuddin played 25 Test matches, making his debut at Lords as a member of the touring side led by Abdul Hafeez Kardar on the historic tour to England in 1954.  At a time when no international touring side is willing to travel to Pakistan, it is worth noting that Alimuddin was famously known as the batsmen who faced the first ball bowled by an international side in Pakistan. The right-handed aggressive opener also had the distinction of scoring the first Test century at the National Stadium in Karachi when he made an unbeaten 103 against India in 1954-55. He played his last Test match for Pakistan against England at Nottingham, July 1962 at the age of 32 and retired with a total of 1091 Test runs to his name.

A well liked character on and off the field - the Late Alimuddin was also a dear friend of Ex Pakistan captain Mushtaq Mohammed who, in exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net, spoke of his close relationship with the deceased cricketers and also shed some light on how Alimuddin felt about the current state of Pakistani cricket.

The bond of friendship between the two Karachi cricketers withstood the test of time and Mushtaq fondly recalled his younger years with Alimuddin. “I was very close to him as I have known Alimuddin for all my life,” Mushtaq said. “When I was 12-13 years old, he used to take me on his bike to net practice. He used to teach me batting and help me with my cricket, even more than my brothers did. We had an old friendship.”

After retiring from international cricket, Alimuddin moved to England where he pursued a career working at Heathrow Airport for Pakistan International Airlines. It was here he remained until he passed away “Whenever I used to visit [London] I would stay with Alimuddin, “Mushtaq remarked, “He was like a brother for me, a very special and dear person in my life.”

Alimuddin was born in Ajmer, Rajasthan and made his first-class debut for Rajasthan in the pre-partition Ranji Tophy as the youngest cricketer ever aged just 12 years and 73 days. After the partition of India, he shifted along with the rest of his family to Karachi. “I think all those cricketers in the 50s were very good cricketers and he [Alimuddin] was one of them.” Mushtaq said “Unfortunately there wasn't as much cricket in those days. But there is no doubt about the talent they possessed, in particular players like Alimuddin. In those times, touring was costly and time-consuming with only limited games played in a calendar year. They would only play a couple of Test matches a year, but they showed enough in those games to leave a mark.” Mushtaq added.

Mushtaq was also full of admiration for selfless service and the impact Alimuddin and others of the same generation had on Pakistani cricket. “There were others such as Wazir Mohammad who is my brother. They contributed so much for Pakistan cricket and their contribution is second to none. They have done a great job.”

An opening batsman who preferred attack to defence and also an outstanding fielder to boot, the Late Alimuddin has clearly left a lasting impression on Mushtaq Mohammed

“I played both the Quaid-E-Azam Trophy and the Patrons Trophy with him in Karachi, and I always found him a very technical correct player. Probably one of the most technically correct batsmen I have seen in my life. We used to play on the turf wicket and on matting wicket and he had such immense talent.”

As a mentor, Alimuddin did not disappoint in passing on his vast knowledge of the game. “If he ever saw a talented youngster, he would go out of his way to spend time with him to teach them technically and tactically. He was a good cricketing brain, Mashallah [Whatever God wills],” Mushtaq stated.

With Pakistan cricket tarnished through controversy, Alimuddin was however saddened by the state of the game in the country. Mushtaq recalled some of the conversations he had had with his friend. “He was disappointed with the way Pakistani cricket has moved with the debacles that we've seen since 2003. He was very saddened that Pakistan's name has been disgraced.” Mushtaq indicated. “He would say 'I have also played cricket and we did not receive a single paisa, but we played for the pride and honour of Pakistan. Today's players have been blessed with so much money from the sports, but even them some are still ungrateful.'