Ghulam Ahmed

Ghulam Ahmed, a former captain in Indian Test Cricket, enjoyed a remarkable career representing Hyderabad and India. His contributions to the sport spanned from 1939-40 to 1958-59, during which he played first-class cricket for Hyderabad and represented India in 22 Test matches between 1948-49 and 1958-59. Notably, he showcased his skills on international stages during tours to England and Pakistan in the early fifties. While leading the Indian team, he captained one Test against New Zealand in 1955-56 (drawn) and two Tests against West Indies in 1958-59 (both lost).

Ghulam Ahmed’s performance on the 1952 tour left a lasting impression, as he took 80 wickets in first-class matches at an average of 21.92, including 15 wickets in the four Tests at 24.73. Renowned for his off spin bowling, he displayed world-class skills throughout his career. Memorable moments include his 5 for 100 in the first innings of the First Test and impressive figures of 8 for 84 and 5 for 66 against Oxford University.

Notable highlights of his career include taking five wickets and scoring 50 as number 11 in the inaugural Test against Pakistan in 1952-53, as well as his best Test innings and match figures of 7 for 49 and 3 for 81 against Australia in Calcutta in 1956-57.

In domestic cricket, Ghulam Ahmed achieved his best first-class figures in a match against Madras in the Ranji Trophy in 1947-48 (5 for 28 and 9 for 53). Notably, during a match against Holkar in 1950-51, where the opposition scored 757 against Hyderabad, he recorded figures of 92.3-21-245-4.

Following his playing career, Ghulam Ahmed served as the manager of the Indian team during their tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1967-68. He also held the position of Secretary of the BCCI for an extended period after his retirement. Additionally, he played a crucial role as one of the founders of the Sultan-ul-Uloom Education Society.