KARACHI: Former first-class cricketer Khalid Qureshi, who was a member of Pakistan squad that went to India under Abdul Hafeez Kardar’s captaincy in 1952, died in Lahore on Wednesday, just two days before his 88th birthday.

Khalid, who was born in Jagandurnager in British India on Feb 12, 1928, was a left-arm spinner and captured 143 wickets in 42 first-class matches between 1949-50 and 1966-67.

His best figures in an innings were 9-28 for Lahore and Lahore Education Board in the Ayub Trophy quarter-final at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in 1960-61.

Although Khalid didn’t play a full international match for Pakistan, he went to India with Pakistan’s first touring side in 1952-53 and played six first class games, taking 17 wickets at an average of 28.23. Besides, he also represented the country against Commonwealth XI and Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka).

He was a left-handed batsman who usually played down the order as his first-class average of 10.57 suggests, with 65 being his highest score. Khalid featured as a professional for Lowe­rhouse in the Lancashir League in 1954-55, taking in all hundred wickets at 13.25 apiece.

His father Amjad Qureshi and two brothers also played first-class cricket in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2016