Former India all-rounder Syed Abid Ali no more
NEW DELHI, March 12: Former India all-rounder Syed Abid Ali, who was known for his versatility and sharp fielding skills, died on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 83.He was part of an illustrious group of Hyderabad cricketers that included MAK Pataudi, ML Jaisimha, and Abbas Ali Baig. He died in the United States.The news of Abid Ali’s passing was shared by the North America Cricket League (NACL).“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,” NACL posted in its Facebook page.“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, honouring his memory by continuing to pursue our passions with dedication and perseverance.” Ali made his Test debut in December 1967 against Australia in Adelaide, marking the occasion with a sensational 6/55 in the first innings — his career-best bowling figures.His batting prowess was on display later in the same series when he scored 78 and 81 in the Sydney Test, proving his all-round capabilities.Between 1967 and 1974, he played 29 Tests for India, tallying 1,018 runs and taking 47 wickets.He was ahead of his time and was known for his work ethic.His was lightning-quick while running between the wickets and was one of the finest fielders of his time.Ali also had a rare distinction — he opened both the batting and bowling for India in several matches, including two against New Zealand in 1968, three at home in 1969, and two on the 1971 tour of the West Indies.His ODI career was brief but historic.He was part of the Ajit Wadekar-led Indian team that played its first-ever ODI in 1974 against England at Headingley, a 55-over-a-side match that India lost.In the first game, he batted at No. 8, scoring 17, and opened the bowling, conceding 51 runs in nine overs.In the second ODI at The Oval, that also India lost, Ali batted at No 10 and picked up his first wicket while returning figures of 1/21 from 11 overs. (PTI)
Snowboarders open India’s account in Special Olympics Winter Games
TURIN, March 12: India made a positive start to its campaign at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, bagging four medals including two gold and as many silver in Turin, Italy.On Tuesday, the Indians finished on the podium in the only medal event of the day — snowboarding — held in Bardonecchia.While Bharti and Sameer grabbed a gold medal each, Hem Chand and Harshita Thakur took home silver medals in their respective divisions of the Novice Giant Slalom Final.A 49-member contingent, comprising 30 athletes and 19 support staff, is representing India at the tournament.The event promises to bring together around 1500 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 102 countries to participate in eight sports, aiming to promote inclusivity and representation in the sporting world.With eight sports spread across four venues, speed skating and floorball will take place in Turin while snowshoeing and alpine skiing will be organised in Sestriere. Snowboarding and cross-country skiing is being held in Bardonecchia and Pragelato respectively. (PTI)
PSA squash event returns to India after seven years
MUMBAI, March 12: Mumbai will host a PSA event from March 24 to 28, pitting India’s top squash players like Ramit Tandon and Anahat Singh against their overseas rivals.The USD 40,000 prize money Indian Open, to be held at the indoor courts of Bombay Gymkhana, will see participation of players from countries like Egypt, Canada, Malaysia and Japan.Besides Tandon and Anahat, other Indian players set to take part are Velavan Senthilkumar, Veer Chotrani, and Akanksha Salunkhe.The event will mark the return of a top squash tournament in the country after 2018, when Mumbai hosted the CCI International — a PSA World Tour Silver tournament.Starting in August 2024, PSA (Professional Squash Association) replaced World Tour tournaments with new PSA World Events, comprising new tournament-tiers — Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper. The Indian Open will be a copper event. (PTI)