Salim Durani dies at 88
His Contribution to the Country: Salim Aziz Durani represented India in 29 Test matches from 1960 to 1973, An all-rounder, a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, and a left-handed batsman famous for his six-hitting prowess. He is India’s only Test cricketer who was born in Afghanistan.
Durani was the hero of India’s 1961-62 series victory over England. In their victories in Kolkata and Chennai, he took 8 and 10 wickets, respectively. A decade later, he would be pivotal in India’s first-ever win[3] over the West Indies at Port of Spain, taking the wickets of Clive Lloyd and Gary Sobers. [4]
He only scored one century in 50 Test innings, 104 against the West Indies in 1962. In first-class cricket, he represented Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Saurashtra. He scored 14 hundreds in first-class cricket, totaling 8545 runs at 33.37.
Durani had a special rapport with the spectators, who became agitated when he was dropped from the Kanpur Test team in 1973, holding placards and shouting slogans like “No Durani, no test!”
He was present at historic India vs. Afghanistan test match on June 14, 2018, as the only Afghan-born Indian test cricketer.
In 1973, he co-starred in the film Charitra with Parveen Babi.
He was the first cricketer to be awarded the Arjuna Award. In 2011, the BCCI presented him with the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
PM Modi condoles Salim Durani’s demise says he made a key contribution to India’s rise in the world of cricket
Durani, a stylish India cricketer of the 1960s with movie-star looks and a penchant for hitting monstrous sixes on demand, died on Sunday. He was 88.
In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, “Salim Durani Ji was a cricketing legend, an institution in himself. He made a key contribution to India’s rise in the world of cricket. On and off the field, he was known for his style. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”
Salim Durani Ji had a very old and strong association with Gujarat. He played for Saurashtra and Gujarat for a few years. He also made Gujarat his home. I have had the opportunity to interact with him and was deeply impressed by his multifaceted persona. He will surely be missed.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 2, 2023
Noting that Salim Durani had a very old and strong association with Gujarat, the prime minister said he played for Saurashtra and Gujarat for a few years and also made the state his home.
“I have had the opportunity to interact with him and was deeply impressed by his multifaceted persona. He will surely be missed,” Modi said.
Durani lived with his younger brother Jahangir Durani in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
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The Kabul-born Durani, who packed a punch with his bat and was also a handy left-arm orthodox bowler, played 29 Tests and was instrumental in India defeating England 2-0 in the historic five-match Test series in 1961-62, picking up eight and ten wickets in the team’s victories in Calcutta and Madras respectively.
Many people also present their heartfelt Condolence on Twitter For Salim Durani
Former cricketer Salim Durani passes away after prolonged illness
(Pic source: ICC) pic.twitter.com/FrUW2WzM7Q
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2023
Deeply saddened by the news of Salim Durani Ji’s demise. He was a true icon of Indian cricket known for his immense skill and played a vital role in some of our most historic victories. My thoughts & prayers are with his family and friends during this tough time.
Om Shanti.— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) April 2, 2023
Saddened by the news that cricket legend SalimDurani has passed away. Born in Kabul too early for the white-ball era in which he’d have thrived, the volatile genius was a crowd-pleaser&public favourite: “No Durani No Test” posters went up when he was dropped against England. RIP pic.twitter.com/ZzmqU4z4sV
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 2, 2023
Deeply saddened by the news of Salim Durani Ji’s demise. He was a true icon of Indian cricket known for his immense skill and played a vital role in some of our most historic victories. My thoughts & prayers are with his family and friends during this tough time.
Om Shanti.— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) April 2, 2023
टीम इंडिया के दिग्गज क्रिकेटर रहे सलीम दुर्रानी का कैंसर से निधन, 88 साल की उम्र में ली आखिरी सांस
जामनगर में आज सुबह आखिरी सांस ली. #SALIMDURANI पहले ऐसे भारतीय क्रिकेटर थे जिन्हें अर्जुन अवार्ड से नवाजा गया था
— Brijesh Doshi (@brijdoshi) April 2, 2023
Former India all-rounder Salim Durani dies aged 88. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan in 1934, Durani was the hero during India’s series victory against England in 1961–62 and the historic maiden win against West Indies at Port of Spain in 1971. 29 Tests, 1202 runs, 74 wickets pic.twitter.com/tCwOlk0GY9
— Priyarag Verma (@priyarag) April 2, 2023
Bharat Express Extends Deep Condolences For ‘Salim Durani’
May His Soul Rest In Peace
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