Qasim Ali Umar, a talented cricketer hailing from Pakistan, was born in Kenya. Known for his exceptional skills as an opening batsman, as well as his ability to adapt to any position in the middle order, Umar made a mark in the cricketing world during his short but illustrious career of just four years.
Making his debut in Test cricket against India at Jullundur in the 1983-84 season, Umar quickly showcased his prowess with the bat. In the 26 Test matches he played, he amassed a total of 1,502 runs, including two double centuries, one century, and five half-centuries. With an impressive average of 36.63, Umar left a lasting impression on the cricketing fraternity. Along with his batting prowess, Umar also proved to be an excellent fielder, taking 15 catches throughout his Test career.
Umar’s finest innings came against India at Faisalabad in the 1984-85 season, where he scored a staggering 210 runs. Moreover, he also set a record for a second-wicket partnership of 250 runs with Mudassar Nazar during this match. His incredible knock not only played a vital role in Pakistan’s victory but also marked the highest individual Test score at Faisalabad, a record shared with Tasleem Arif. Umar’s brilliance continued in the same season when he scored 206 runs against Sri Lanka, again at Faisalabad.
However, a stroke of misfortune prevented Umar from achieving two well-deserved centuries in the Third Test against New Zealand at Dunedin in the 1984-85 season. He fell agonizingly short, getting dismissed for 96 and 89 in the two innings. Despite these near misses, Umar’s consistent performances secured his place in the national squad.
In addition to his Test exploits, Umar also played in 31 One-Day Internationals, amassing 642 runs with the help of four half-centuries. His highest ODI score was 69, showcasing his ability to adapt to the limited-overs format as well.
Acknowledging his exceptional performances, Umar received three international and five domestic Man-of-the-Match awards during his career. However, it was not just his cricketing abilities that defined his legacy. In the 1985-86 season, Umar became the first player to expose corruption in international cricket, making brave revelations about some prominent players suspected of being involved. Unfortunately, his disclosures were disregarded by cricket administrators, ultimately marking the end of his brilliant cricket career.
Qasim Ali Umar left an indelible mark on Pakistani cricket with his batting prowess and unwavering commitment to integrity. Although his career was relatively brief, his contributions to the game will always be remembered, and his name will find a special place in the annals of Pakistan’s cricketing history.
