Syed Mushtaq Ali, Cricketer
Cricketer

Syed Mushtaq Ali

Born 17 December 1914 · Madhya Pradesh — Died 18 June 2005

Scored the first overseas Test century by an Indian against England at Old Trafford in 1936.

Syed Mushtaq Ali was an Indian cricketer, a right-handed opening batsman who holds the distinction of scoring the first overseas Test century by an Indian player when he scored 112 against England at Old Trafford in 1936. Mushtaq Ali was noted for his graceful batting style and a flair which often cost him his wicket by being over-adventurous too soon in an innings. He received the C. K.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Wally Hammond, England’s legendary cricketer, once advised Mushtaq Ali during his 1936 Old Trafford innings to 'be steady, get your hundred first,' highlighting the respect Mushtaq commanded even from opponents.

The Story

1
In 1936, at Old Trafford, Syed Mushtaq Ali scored 112 runs, marking the first overseas Test century by an Indian, a feat that stunned cricket fans in England and India alike.
2
🌟 At age 13, Mushtaq Ali was spotted by C. K. Nayudu in Indore, who mentored him and shaped his cricketing finesse during the early 1930s.
3During the 1936 England tour, he amassed four first-class centuries, showcasing a blend of grace and audacity that defined his batting style.
4Despite playing only 11 Tests from 1934 to 1952, his career was interrupted by World War II, limiting his international appearances but not his domestic influence.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1964
Padma Shri

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Mushtaq Ali batted right-handed but bowled slow left-arm orthodox spin, making him an occasional all-rounder in domestic cricket, though rarely used as a bowler in Tests.

🖼️

Through the Years

4 photographs from the archives
Syed Mushtaq Ali as a member of the All India cricket team touring England (1936).
Syed Mushtaq Ali as a member of the All India cricket team touring England (1936).
1936
Syed Mushtaq Ali with the All India cricket team on tour in England (1936).
Syed Mushtaq Ali and Phiroze Palia walking out to bat in a practice match in Gravesend (1936).
Syed Mushtaq Ali in a combined East Zone cricket team group photo in Calcutta (1945).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Syed Mushtaq Ali was born on December 17, 1914, in Indore, a city that would shape his early cricketing journey.
1914
⚡
Career
Test debut vs England in Calcutta
Mushtaq Ali made his Test debut in the second Test against England at Calcutta in January 1934, starting his international career.
1934
⚡
Career
Historic 112 at Old Trafford
He scored 112 runs against England at Old Trafford, becoming the first Indian to score a Test century overseas.
1936
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Shri
Recognized for his cricketing contributions, Mushtaq Ali was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.
1964
📖
Publication
Published autobiography 'Cricket Delightful'
He released his memoir, offering unique perspectives on cricket and his career spanning pre- and post-independence India.
1967
🏅
Award
Received C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award
The BCCI honored him with its highest lifetime achievement award, linking him permanently to Indian cricket heritage.
1995
🕊️
Death
Death at age 90
Syed Mushtaq Ali died peacefully in his sleep on June 18, 2005, closing a long chapter of cricketing history.
2005
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
👤PERSONAL

He published his autobiography, Cricket Delightful, in 1967, providing rare insights into pre-independence Indian cricket culture and his own flamboyant style.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Mushtaq Ali was only 22 when he scored his historic 112 at Old Trafford in 1936, a young age for such a historic cricketing milestone.

03 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

He played for no fewer than eight different regional teams across India from 1930 to 1964, an unusually broad domestic career spanning over three decades.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Saif Ali Khan proudly tells Taimur Ali Khan about their family's cricket history.

🌱 What changed because of them

Syed Mushtaq Ali’s daring batting during the 1930s helped reshape Indian cricket’s image, inspiring a generation to embrace flair alongside technique. His multi-team domestic career reflected the era's fragmented cricket structure, and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, named after him since 2008–09, institutionalizes his legacy by energizing India’s domestic T20 cricket scene. His Padma Shri award and Marylebone Cricket Club membership also signaled Indian cricket’s growing acceptance on the global stage.

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