LAHORE: Former Pakistan cricket team captain and all-rounder, Saeed Ahmed, passed away at the age of 86 in Lahore following a brief illness. Saeed, renowned for his elegant batting style and proficient off-spin bowling, represented Pakistan in 41 Tests from 1958 to 1973. Notably, he briefly led the team during a series of three drawn Test matches against England in 1969, stepping in for Hanif Mohammad. With a total of 2,991 Test runs, including five centuries – three of which were against India – and 22 wickets to his credit, Saeed left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
Born in Jalandhar in 1937, during the British colonial era, Saeed made his Test debut at the age of 20 against the West Indies in a memorable drawn Test in Bridgetown. Throughout his career, he displayed exceptional skill and grace, particularly evident in his fluent drives. Despite a batting average of 40.01 in Tests, mirroring his first-class average, Saeed’s contributions often couldn’t secure victories for Pakistan, reflecting the team’s challenging period.
Following retirement, Saeed distanced himself from cricket, leading a solitary life in Lahore due to declining health. He leaves behind a legacy cherished by cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) mourns his loss, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to the national team.
