Maqsood Ahmed, Pakistani cricketer (d. 1999)

Maqsood Ahmed, born on March 26, 1925, and passing away on January 4, 1999, was a distinguished Pakistani cricketer whose impact on the sport, both on and off the field, was profound. Educated at Islamia College in Lahore, he would become a pivotal figure in the early days of Pakistani cricket.

A Formative Force in Pakistani Cricket

Before Pakistan emerged as an independent nation, Maqsood Ahmed showcased his talent playing for Southern Punjab in India, notably scoring an impressive 144 runs in his debut match. His aggressive, right-handed middle-order batting style made him a formidable presence at the crease. Maqsood Ahmed was an invaluable all-rounder, instrumental in establishing Pakistan's recognition as a Test-playing nation. A defining moment came in 1951–52 when he powered his way to 137 runs against the visiting Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), a performance that underscored his potential and Pakistan's burgeoning cricketing prowess.

His Test career spanned from 1952 to 1955, during which he featured in 16 matches, accumulating a total of 507 runs. Despite his undeniable brilliance, his performance in Test matches occasionally suffered from a somewhat carefree attitude. He famously came agonizingly close to a century in Test cricket, scoring 99 in the Third Test against India in 1954–55, making him one of the unique Test cricketers whose highest score was just shy of the three-figure mark. His adventurous spirit extended beyond the subcontinent; in 1952, he made history by becoming the first Pakistani to play as a professional cricketer in England, earning him the affectionate moniker "Merry Max" from the English press.

Beyond his batting exploits, Maqsood Ahmed also contributed with the ball, being a right-arm medium-fast bowler who claimed three wickets in Test matches. His first-class career, however, truly highlighted his all-round capabilities. Between 1945 and 1964, he played 85 first-class matches, amassing 3815 runs, including six centuries. With the ball, he took 124 wickets, boasting impressive figures of 7 for 39 and 6 for 44 against Sargodha in 1962–63. In the 1962–63 Quaid-i-Azam Trophy, he led the bowling charts with 34 wickets at an exceptional average of 9.29. He also had the honour of captaining teams like Karachi Blues and Rawalpindi in this prestigious domestic tournament.

Life Beyond the Pitch: A Mentor and Administrator

Upon retiring from his playing career, Maqsood Ahmed remained deeply embedded in the world of cricket, transitioning seamlessly into roles that continued to promote the sport he loved. He became a respected commentator and sports journalist, lending his insights and voice to broadcasts for PTV, BBC, and Radio Pakistan, sharing his vast knowledge with a wider audience.

His leadership and coaching acumen were also highly sought after. He served as the Chief National Cricket Coach, nurturing the talents of many future Test stars, including legends like Intikhab Alam, Asif Iqbal, Mushtaq Mohammad, Sadiq Mohammad, and Majid Khan. His dedication to developing the next generation of Pakistani cricketers was unwavering. Furthermore, his administrative prowess led him to become the Chairman of the National Selection Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board, a committee that famously selected the squad that went on to win the Cricket World Cup in 1991–92, a testament to his astute judgment and vision.

A Lasting Legacy

From the time of Pakistan's independence until his passing, Maqsood Ahmed dedicated his entire life and abilities to the promotion and betterment of Pakistan cricket. His contributions were so significant that his memory is etched into the very fabric of the sport's infrastructure. In a fitting tribute to his service, one of the gates of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium proudly bears his name, the "Maqsood Ahmed Enclosure." Similarly, a bench at the historic Bagh-e-Jinnah Cricket Ground, located within the esteemed Lahore Gymkhana, also honours his enduring legacy. Maqsood Ahmed passed away on January 4, 1999, in Rawalpindi, leaving behind a remarkable imprint on Pakistani cricket history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maqsood Ahmed

Who was Maqsood Ahmed?
Maqsood Ahmed was a prominent Pakistani cricketer and an all-rounder who played in 16 Test matches from 1952 to 1955. He was instrumental in Pakistan gaining Test status and later became a coach, commentator, and selector.
What was Maqsood Ahmed's nickname?
He was affectionately known as "Merry Max" by the English press when he played as a professional cricketer in England in 1952.
What was Maqsood Ahmed's highest Test score?
His highest Test score was 99, which he made against India in 1954–55, famously just missing out on a century.
When did Maqsood Ahmed debut in Test cricket?
He debuted in Test cricket in 1952.
What did Maqsood Ahmed do after retiring from playing cricket?
After retiring, Maqsood Ahmed worked as a commentator for PTV, BBC, and Radio Pakistan, served as the Chief National Cricket Coach, and was Chairman of the National Selection Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board, notably selecting the 1991–92 World Cup winning team.
How is Maqsood Ahmed remembered today?
His contributions are recognized through the "Maqsood Ahmed Enclosure" at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and a named bench at the Bagh-e-Jinnah Cricket Ground in Lahore, symbolizing his dedication to Pakistan cricket.