Former Pakistan Test cricketer Imtiaz Ahmed passes away aged 88

Former Pakistan Test cricketer Imtiaz Ahmed passes away aged 88 Imtiaz Ahmed, Pakistan's former wicketkeeper-batsman, passed away aged 88 in Lahore on Saturday (December 31). Imtiaz, who would have turned 89 on January 5, was suffering from a chest infection for the last few days. He was also Pakistan's oldest living Test cricketer at the time of his death.  Imtiaz, who donned his first

Test cap against India in Delhi in 1952, played 41 Tests for his country, notching up 2,079 runs and effecting 93 dismissals. Incidentally, his Test debut in Delhi, against India, also turned out to be Pakistan's first ever Test.  The 88-year-old was known for his daring strokeplay, especially while facing up to fast bowlers. The point can be illustrated by his enterprising knock of 138 against the Lindsay Hassett-led Australian Services XI at the age of just 17 in Lahore in 1945.

His highest score of 209 came against New Zealand in Lahore in 1955. He also captained Pakistan in four Tests against Australia and England at the fag end of his Test career.

The wicketkeeper-batsman made his first-class debut for Northern India against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy in 1944. He went on to play 180 first-class matches, aggregating 10391 runs with 404 dismissals to his name. He retired from first-class cricket at the end of 1972-73 season.

He was honoured with Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan for his achievements in sports in 1966. Imtiaz was also the national selector of the Pakistan cricket team for 13 years.