Former Indian cricketer Salim Durani passed away on April 2, 2023, at his residence in Jamnagar, Gujarat due to age-related ailments. Durani was born on December 11, 1934, in Kabul, Afghanistan, and was the only Indian Test cricketer to have been born in Afghanistan. He was 88 years old.  Durani was an iconic all-rounder who played for India in 29 Test matches from 1960 to 1973. He was known for his left-handed batting and left-arm orthodox bowling.

Durani made his debut for India in 1960 against Pakistan and went on to play a crucial role in India’s maiden Test series win against England in 1961-62. He scored 1,202 runs in Test cricket at an average of 25.71 and took 75 wickets at an average of 35.72. He also played 10 One Day Internationals for India, scoring 122 runs and taking 5 wickets.

After retiring from cricket, Durani served as a coach and selector for the Indian cricket team. He was also a commentator and analyst for various cricket matches and tournaments.

The Cricket fraternity and fans across the world mourns Durani’s death. Tributes have poured in for the legendary cricketer, with many remembering his contributions to Indian cricket and his charismatic personality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to pen a heartfelt tribute for Durani and called him a “cricketing legend”. “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,” PM Modi wrote. 

Shashi Tharoor tweeted on his Twitter, “Saddened by the news that cricket legend SalimDurani has passed away. Born in Kabul too early for the white-ball era in which he’d have thrived, the volatile genius was a crowd-pleaser & public favorite: “No Durani No Test” posters went up when he was dropped against England. RIP

Sachin Tendulkar also tweeted, Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Salim Durani ji. A really warm and loving person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace.

Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Salim Durani ji. A really warm and loving person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Rest in peace.

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 2, 2023

Saddened by the news that cricket legend SalimDurani has passed away. Born in Kabul too early for the white-ball era in which he'd have thrived, the volatile genius was a crowd-pleaser&public favourite: "No Durani No Test" posters went up when he was dropped against England. RIP pic.twitter.com/ZzmqU4z4sV

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 2, 2023

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 2, 2023