Former Pakistan all-rounder Billy Ibadulla passed away on Friday at the age of 88.
He featured in four Test matches between 1964 and 1967, and was the first Pakistani batter to score a century on his Test debut.
Ibadulla made his Test debut against Australia in Karachi in 1964, scoring 166 runs in the first innings. He was part of a 249-run opening partnership with fellow debutant and wicketkeeper, Abdul Kadir. This partnership remains the highest between two debutants for any wicket in Test cricket.
However, Ibadulla played only three more Tests, with his best score being 32. He also took one wicket with his off-break bowling.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also sent their condolences to Ibadulla's friends and family.
"The PCB is deeply saddened by the passing of former Test cricketer Khalid Ibadulla on 12 July. He played four Tests from 1964 to 1967, scoring 253 runs, and was the first Pakistan batter to score a century on Test debut. In 417 first-class matches, he amassed 17,078 runs and took 462 wickets. PCB extends its heartfelt condolences to his friends and family."
He was more prolific in first-class cricket, amassing 17,078 runs at an average of 27.28 and claiming 462 wickets at an average of 30.96. Out of his 417 first-class appearances, 377 were for Warwickshire, where he played for over a decade.
"He was a special cricketer, one of the greatest, and we had lots of fun times together," Warwickshire president Dennis Amiss, who played alongside Ibadulla at the club, wrote in a tribute to his former team-mate as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. "He could be really naughty at times, lots of micky taking and he gave as good as he got. We loved him at Warwickshire."
Later, Ibadulla relocated to New Zealand and played for Otago for a few seasons.
In 64 List A matches, Ibadulla scored 829 runs and took 84 wickets. He also served as an umpire in 20 first-class matches and 12 List A games. Additionally, he ran a private coaching clinic in New Zealand.
