KARACHI: Former Pakistan Test cricketer Basit Ali has suffered a heart attack and is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Karachi, according to reports on Monday.
The 55-year-old former batsman experienced chest pain before he was taken to hospital. Doctors performed an angioplasty and placed him under observation, according to reports.
Basit Ali’s international cricket records and career highlights
Basit, who represented Pakistan from 1993 to 1996, played 19 Tests and 50 One-Day Internationals during an international career that lasted four years.
He scored 858 runs in Test cricket at an average of 26.81. His Test tally included one century and five half-centuries. His highest Test score was 103.
In 50 ODIs, Basit scored 1,265 runs at an average of 34.18. He made one century and nine fifties in the format and remained unbeaten on 127 for his highest ODI score.
That 127 not out against the West Indies in Sharjah in November 1993 remains one of the defining innings of his career. Basit reached the century from 67 balls, which at the time was the second-fastest ODI hundred in international cricket.
The right-handed batsman was known for his aggressive strokeplay, particularly against fast bowling. He made his international debut against the West Indies during Pakistan’s tour of the Caribbean in 1993.
Basit also played a key role in Pakistan’s limited-overs cricket during the mid-1990s. His ODI batting average was higher than his Test average, reflecting his effectiveness in the shorter format.
After retiring from international cricket, Basit remained closely involved with the game. He worked in coaching and served as a cricket analyst and television commentator, regularly providing views on Pakistan cricket.
He also served as coach of Pakistan A and held coaching roles with Pakistan’s women’s and Under-19 teams.
Basit’s playing career ended in 1996, but he remained a familiar voice in Pakistani cricket through his work as an analyst and commentator.
Cricket fans and former players have expressed concern over his health and wished the former Pakistan international a speedy recovery.
