Former Indian cricketer who turned down Pakistani citizenship twice

Mushtaq Ali, who was the first Indian to record a Test hundred away from home is a legendary figure in the sport. The flamboyant cricketer played 11 Tests between 1934 and 1952. He scored a breathtaking 112 at Old Trafford in 1936 to achieve the feat, beating Vijay Merchant to the mark during an opening partnership of 203.

Ali, who died aged 90 was popular for his explosive batting at a time when it was not in vogue. His stories are the stuff of legends in this part of the world and when his son Gulrez Ali digs into the treasure trove, one can’t help listening with rapt attention.

Taking a walk down memory lane, Gulrez recalls with pride how his father had rejected former Pakistan Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s offer of a citizenship just after partition in 1948. In fact, Mushtaq was offered Pakistani citizenship twice by the erstwhile Pakistan premier.

Ali’s son Gulrez was quoted as saying by Indian Express, “My father once told me that he was invited by Zulifqar Ali Bhutto, if my memory serves me right, around 1947-48 to go to Pakistan and live there but he refused. “

“The second proposal was I think during the meeting with Indira Gandhi in Shimla in the 70s. He politely refused on both occasions, telling Bhutto that ‘India is my home, it has given me everything and I will live here all my life’,” he added.

Ali nicknamed his grandson after the former Pakistan PM

As a mark of tribute to the former Pakistan PM, Mushtaq decided to give the nickname ‘Zulfi’ to Gulrez’s son Abbas Ali. Like Gulrez and his grandfather, Abbas Ali also represented Madhya Pradesh with distinction in the domestic circuit and also toured Pakistan with India A side in 1998. Having retired from first-class cricket two years ago, Abbas is currently the fielding coach of the senior state team and is preparing the players for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament