Mohammed Ahmed “Babu” Meman, the steady off-spinner who later steered Zimbabwe’s national side from the dressing-room, has died at 73 after a period of ill health.
Best known for a single, spirited appearance at the 1987 World Cup – he made 19 against India – Meman’s playing record only hints at his wider influence. Between 1977 and 1980 he turned out for Shropshire in England’s Minor Counties Championship, gathering 888 runs, two hundreds and 55 wickets in 32 matches. Friends recall a “tidy action” and an even tidier sense of humour.
The bigger impact came once Zimbabwe gained Test status. Appointed team manager in 1992, Meman stayed in post until 2006 – a stretch that covered famous wins over Pakistan in Faisalabad and India in Harare, and plenty of administrative turbulence. He later sat on the national selection panel, always the calm voice in the corner.
“ZC is deeply grateful for Babu’s enduring contributions to cricket in our country, both on and off the field,” Zimbabwe Cricket said in a statement. “His passion, humility and dedication will always be remembered by those who had the privilege of working with him.”
That blend of passion and humility comes up a lot. Former wicketkeeper Andy Flower once described Meman as “the bloke who kept the wheels on when everything else was wobbling” – praise that felt accurate then and feels even sharper today.
Meman is survived by his wife, Aisha, and children Iqbal, Fazila and Sadiya.