Israr Ali

Who is Israr Ali?

Israr Ali was a member of Pakistan's first Test team that played against India in India in 1952-53. Born in Jalandhar, British India, he played two Tests as a top order batsman in 1952−53 without success, then two more against the visiting Australians in 1959-60 as a lower order batsman and opening bowler, taking 6 wickets at 25.66, dismissing Les Favell four times.

In 1957-58, playing for Bahawalpur against Punjab A in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy, he took 9 for 58. In the quarter-finals of the competition that season, he took 6 for 1 to dismiss Dacca University for 39, after hitting his highest score of 79.

His career began in 1946−47 in the Ranji Trophy and ended in 1960−61. He played the 1959 season as a professional for Bacup in the Lancashire League, making 912 runs at 50.66 and taking 48 wickets at 22.95.

On the death of Aslam Khokhar on 22 January 2011, Israr Ali became Pakistan's oldest living Test cricketer.