Cricketer Salim Durani (88) passes away in Jamnagar, Gujarat; PM pays tribute

April 02, 2023
Gujarat Saurastra Sports

Jamnagar: Former cricketer Salim Durani passed away today in Jamnagar. He was 88. He was suffering from cancer.

Arjun awardee Salim Durani was born in Afghanistan and stayed in Karachi in the past. He played 29 test matches for India and made 1202 runs including one century and 7 half-centuries. He had taken 75 wickets as well. His last rites will be performed post-5 pm today.

Born in 1934 in Kabul in Afghanistan, Durani’s family settled in Karachi in Pakistan when he was 8 months old. Later when Pakistan was formed, he came to India with his family.

Durani was known as a very good all-rounder cricket player in the decades of 1960s and 1970s. He made his debut in 1960 against Australia in Mumbai. Durani was known for giving sixers on demand by the audience.

Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi in tweets paid tribute to Durani and stated: Salim Durani Ji was a cricketing legend, an institution in himself. He made a key contribution to India’s rise in the world of cricket. On and off the field, he was known for his style. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace. Salim Durani Ji had a very old and strong association with Gujarat. He played for Saurashtra and Gujarat for a few years. He also made Gujarat his home. I have had the opportunity to interact with him and was deeply impressed by his multifaceted persona. He will surely be missed.

The Prime Minister recollected his interactions with Salim Durani and tweeted: I had the opportunity to interact with the great Salim Durani Ji on various occasions. One such occasion was in January 2004 at a programme in Jamnagar, in which a statue of the great cricketer Vinoo Mankad Ji was inaugurated. Here are some memories from the programme.

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