Pakistan Cricket Legend Billy Ibadulla Passes Away at 88

Former Pakistan all-rounder Billy Ibadulla, who made history as the first Pakistani batter to score a century on Test debut, passed away on Friday at the age of 88.

Ibadulla's Test debut was a memorable one, as he smashed 166 runs in the first innings against Australia in Karachi in 1964. He shared a record-breaking 249-run opening partnership with fellow debutant Abdul Kadir, which remains the highest partnership between two debutants for any wicket in Test cricket.

Despite his impressive debut, Ibadulla played only three more Tests, with his highest score being 32. He also claimed one wicket with his offbreak bowling.

In first-class cricket, Ibadulla was a prolific performer, amassing 17,078 runs at an average of 27.28 and taking 462 wickets at 30.96. He played over a decade for Warwickshire, making 377 appearances for the English county. Later, he moved to New Zealand and represented Otago for a couple of seasons.

Ibadulla also had a successful career in List A cricket, scoring 829 runs and taking 84 wickets in 64 matches. He also officiated as an umpire in 20 first-class matches and 12 List A games.

Beyond his playing and umpiring career, Ibadulla established a private coaching clinic in New Zealand. His son, Kassem Ibadulla, followed in his father's footsteps, playing 31 first-class and 19 List A games for Gloucestershire and Otago.

Billy Ibadulla's legacy as a trailblazing Pakistani cricketer and a respected all-rounder will be remembered for generations to come.

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