Former Pakistan and Otago cricketer Khalid "Billy" Ibadulla dies, aged 88 [Update at Post#2]

[Sanzcool]

On This Day: Oct 24, 1964 - Khalid "Billy" Ibadulla became the 1st Pakistani to score a ton on debut

#OnThisDay

1964: Khalid (Billy) Ibadulla (166) became the first Pakistani to make a century on Test debut.

Javed Miandad, Younis Khan, Ali Naqvi, Azhar Mahmood, Yasir Hameed(both innings hundred), Mohammad Wasim, Taufeeq Umar, Saleem Malik, Fawad Alam and Umar Akmal were descendants.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Former Pakistan and Otago cricketer Billy Ibadulla has died, aged 88.

Ibadulla, who played four tests for Pakistan, played for Otago between 1964 and 1967, before moving to Dunedin in 1976.

He ran a private cricket coaching clinic in the city for more than two decades, touching the lives of thousands of cricketers, including some of New Zealand’s biggest names.

That includes Glenn Turner, Ken Rutherford, Chris Cairns and, most recently, former skipper Brendon McCUllum.

Ibadulla was McCullum’s personal batting coaching, and took him under his wing as the aggressive batter prepared for his test debut against South Africa in 2004.

"It's always a pleasure to see him go out [to bat] because he's such a positive-thinking person," Ibadulla told the BBC in an interview to honour McCullum's 101st and final test, which was played against Australia in Christchurch in 2016.

"I see him going down in the history of the game as a hostile batsman. That's what he is – when you are bowling to him you know something is going to happen.

Ibadulla, who also coached McCullum’s father, Stu, scored 22 first-class hundreds, including 166 on test debut.

He also took 452 wickets, before turning his attention to growing New Zealand cricketers.

"It doesn't matter how good a player is, I'm responsible for their progress," Ibadulla told the Otago Daily Times in 2009.

"If he is not going to be another Turner or Rutherford, I've still got to help him go as far as he can go.

"I'm always preparing myself for that moment when they [the parents] ask, 'How is he doing?'.

"And I can't afford to fail him. He has to improve and that's what we are looking for."

Ibadulla was one of Warwickshire’s finest overseas players, playing 439 first class and List A games between 1954 and 1972, winning three domestic trophies.

SOURCE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/35034...d-otago-cricketer-billy-ibadulla-dies-aged-88

 

[BouncerGuy]

Warwickshire President Dennis Amiss has paid tribute to his former Bears teammate Khalid "Billy" Ibadulla, describing him as a “warm, intelligent man” and a “wonderful cricketer”.

Amiss played alongside Ibadulla – Bears’ legendary all-rounder who died recently aged 88 – for more than a decade between 1960 and 1972.

“We loved him,” said Amiss. “He was a special cricketer, one of the greatest, and we had lots of fun times together. He had an infectious laugh, I can hear it now.

“We played together over many years and toured together. He was a lovely team man, on and off the field. Intelligent, warm, and a wonderful cricketer.

“He had all the attributes and a wonderful track record in the game. We’ve lost one of the greats. I’ll always remember him.”

Amiss – the Club’s leading first class run scorer – made his Warwickshire debut aged 17 at The Oval.

But he had to look on from the pavilion as Ibadulla (pic above left, last year) put on an opening bat masterclass, scoring 170 in an unbeaten 377 partnership with Norman Horner.

“It was incredible to watch,” added the 81-year-old. “They declared on 377 without loss and my debut was recorded as ‘did not bat’!

“But he was an incredible mentor, a wonderful person to learn the game from. As young players we wanted some help and guidance. Along with Jack Bannister at the time, I couldn’t have asked for better role models.

“We all wanted Billy’s spot at the top of the order but he was such a good batter he wasn’t going to let it go easily. He kept me waiting a few years before he moved lower down the order and I got my chance.

“He had everything: he could bowl off-spinners, seam, and open the batting. And a really good short square leg fielder when MJK Smith didn’t fancy fielding there!

“With his off spinners, everybody went for the turn and they would go straight on. He’d get lots of wickets that way. It took batters a year or two to work him out.”

But it was Billy’s kind nature and fun loving personality that Amiss will remember as much as he natural cricketing talent.

He added: “We had some fun together, Billy was always up for a laugh in the dressing room. He could be really naughty at times, lots of micky taking and he gave as good as he got. We loved him at Warwickshire.

“We visited Billy and his family in New Zealand, Dunedin, and shared some memories. He was a lovely family man and we’re all very saddened by his passing. He’ll long be remembered.”

SOURCE: https://edgbaston.com/news/khalid-ibadulla-club-president-amiss-pays-tribute-to-bears-great-billy/

 

[Dhakar Pola]

Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un​

may Allah grant him jannat give patience to his loved ones

 

[sweep_shot]

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun.

May Allah (SWT) grant him Jannah.

 

[Markhor]

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. Have huge respect for the Pakistani cricketers who played during the early and difficult years post-Partition.

No infrastructure, barely any money being made, just playing for the honour of representing your country.

Although he had a short Test career, he had a lengthy and successful FC career in England and New Zealand where he eventually settled. Infact the NZ press report that he ran coaching sessions in Dunedin for decades with the likes of Glenn Turner, Chris Cairns and Brendon McCullum coming through his camp !