Saeed Ahmed, the former Pakistan cricket captain and renowned allrounder, has passed away in Lahore at the age of 86 after a brief illness. Saeed, who played 41 Test matches between 1958 and 1973, left a lasting impact on Pakistan cricket with his elegant batting style and off-spin bowling.
Born in Jalandhar in 1937, Saeed made his debut at the age of 20 against West Indies in a famous drawn Test in Bridgetown. He quickly established himself as a key player for Pakistan, demonstrating his skill and determination on the field.
Saeed’s career highlights include captaining Pakistan briefly in 1969, leading the team in three drawn Test matches against England. He scored a total of 2991 Test runs, including five centuries, two of which were against India. With the ball, he took 22 Test wickets, showcasing his versatility as an allrounder.
Despite facing challenges towards the end of his career, including a disciplinary issue that led to his departure from the national team, Saeed’s contribution to Pakistan cricket remains significant. After retiring from the sport, he lived a quiet life in Lahore, away from the limelight.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed deep sadness over Saeed’s passing, with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi honoring his record and services to the Test team. Saeed is survived by two sons, a daughter, and his half-brother Younis Ahmed, who also represented Pakistan in Test cricket.
