Legendary Pakistani cricketer Khalid Ibadulla passes away at 88

Khalid ‘Billy’ Ibadulla was known for his century on Test debut against Australia in Karachi in 1964

Former Pakistani Test cricketer Khalid Ibadulla passed away at the age of 88 in New Zealand on July 12.

Born on December 20, 1935, in Lahore, Ibadulla represented Pakistan in four Test matches, making a significant mark in cricket history.

Khalid Ibadulla made his Test debut against Australia in Karachi in 1964, becoming the first Pakistani cricketer to score a century on debut. His score of 166 remains his highest in Test cricket.

Ibadulla played his final Test against England in Nottingham in 1967, finishing his Test career with 553 runs in eight innings and one wicket. His first-class career began in February 1952 in Lahore.

He joined Warwickshire's playing staff in 1954 and made his County Championship debut in 1957. Spending most of his career with Warwickshire, Ibadulla amassed 14,766 runs in 377 matches at an average of 26.32, including 17 centuries. His off-break bowling earned him 418 wickets.

In 1960, Ibadulla, along with Norman Horner, set a record for the highest first-wicket partnership for Warwickshire, scoring 377 runs against Surrey at The Oval.

The cricket community mourns the loss of Khalid Ibadulla, a player who made significant contributions both domestically and internationally. His achievements, particularly his debut century, remain etched in the history of Pakistan cricket.