Syed Mushtaq Ali, born on December 17, 1914, in Indore, India, was a prominent cricketer who played for the Indian national team during the pre-Independence era. Standing tall and debonair, Mushtaq Ali quickly became a prototype for India’s modern cricket heroes. With his flamboyant style of play and immense popularity, he captured the hearts of cricket enthusiasts wherever he went.
Mushtaq Ali’s first claim to fame came in 1936, during India’s tour of England, when he became the first Indian cricketer to score a Test century on foreign soil. Opening the innings with Vijay Merchant at Old Trafford, Mushtaq scored an impressive 112 runs, mesmerizing the English cricket pundits and capturing the attention of fans worldwide. Neville Cardus, a renowned cricket writer, described his batting as magical, stating that “he transforms the bat into a conjuror’s wand.”
Despite his undeniable talent and popularity, Mushtaq Ali had a relatively short Test career. He played in only 11 Test matches spread over almost 20 years. This was primarily due to the suspicions and reservations of the cricketing authorities towards him. There were instances of mix-ups in selection letters, miscommunication, and even protests by fans in Kolkata with chants of “No Mushtaq, no Test.” These incidents contributed to limiting his opportunities to represent India in Test cricket.
However, Mushtaq Ali’s contributions to Indian cricket extended beyond the Test arena. He had a long and successful career playing for Holkar in the Ranji Trophy, the premier first-class cricket competition in India. Mushtaq featured in numerous Ranji Trophy finals, showcasing his prowess as a cricketer and leading his team to victory on multiple occasions.
Mushtaq Ali’s final Test match, at the age of 37, was a historic one for Indian cricket. He played a crucial role in India’s first-ever Test victory against England at Chennai in 1951-52. Opening the innings with Pankaj Roy, Mushtaq scored 22 runs in the first innings, contributing to a useful opening partnership of 53 runs. This victory marked a significant milestone in Indian cricket history and served as a testament to Mushtaq Ali’s enduring spirit and determination.
After retiring from active cricket, Mushtaq Ali remained involved in the game, gracing awards ceremonies and events as an elder statesman of Indian cricket. He was a regular attendee at the various awards nights that punctuated India’s cricket seasons. Additionally, Mushtaq’s passion for cricket extended to his family, with his son, Gulrez Ali, and grandson, Abbas Ali, following in his footsteps and playing first-class cricket as well.
On June 18, 2005, Syed Mushtaq Ali passed away at the age of 90, marking the end of an era in Indian cricket. Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges throughout his career, Mushtaq Ali’s impact on Indian cricket remains indelible. He will always be remembered as a trailblazer, a flamboyant cricketer, and one of the most beloved gentlemen of the game.
