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India Cricketers Who Played For Pakistan After Partition

By Mike Joseph

The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is a fierce and heated one that has been going on for many years. However, did you know that some cricketers have played for both sides?

Since the independence and partition of both nations, India and Pakistan have been rivals in many aspects of life. Cricket is one area where this is evident, with both sides often displaying loyalty and nationalism.

India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry

When India and Pakistan play cricket against each other, it is a matter of national pride for both countries. The teams are always highly motivated to win, and they will do everything they can to achieve victory.

As India and Pakistan celebrate their Independence Days this month, here is a look at the three India cricketers who played for Pakistan after partition of both the nations.

1. Abdul Hafeez Kardar

Abdul Hafeez Kardar, often known as the "Father of Pakistan Cricket," is the first player on our list. He was one of only a handful of players to have represented both Pakistan and India in international cricket. He was the captain of the Pakistan team.

Kardar was a member of the Indian cricket team before the country's independence. He then represented Pakistan. He is regarded as one of the best left-arm spinners in Pakistan's history, and his batting was a thing of beauty to watch.

Abdul represented India in a test series against England in 1946. However, he did not have a significant impact in that series. He played three tests for India before moving to Pakistan, where he played a total of 23 tests. In 1958, he was awarded the "Pride of Performance Award" by the Pakistani government.

2. Amir Elahi

Amir Elahi, a cricketer from India and later Pakistan, had the opportunity to represent both nations during his career. He played for India on one occasion, facing Australia in Sydney in the year 1947.

However, he predominantly showcased his skills while playing for Pakistan. Between 1952 and 1953, Amir Elahi donned the Pakistani jersey five times during matches held in various locations across India.

Elahi was 44 years old when he played his last Test match in Calcutta. He began his career as a medium-pace bowler before switching to leg-breaks and googlies, for which he was best known. While Elahi's international career was too short to be evaluated only on records, he had a stellar first-class career.

3. Gul Mohammad

Gul Mohammad was a talented all-rounder who excelled as a batsman, fielder, and bowler. In 1946, he was selected to play for the national team due to his outstanding domestic performances. Gul made his test debut against England at Lord's and went on to play seven more tests for India.

He was a member of the Indian cricket team from 1946 to 1955. After playing eight tests for India, he migrated to Lahore and lived there. In 1956, Gul played one test for Pakistan against Australia in Karachi, becoming the third player to represent both India and Pakistan.

FAQs
Who are the cricketers who have played for both India and Pakistan after Partition?
The three cricketers who have represented both India and Pakistan after the partition of both the nations are Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Gul Mohammad, and Amir Elahi.
What is the significance of playing for both India and Pakistan after Partition?
Playing for both India and Pakistan after Partition holds historical significance as it reflects the shared cricketing heritage between the two nations despite political division.
When did Abdul Hafeez Kardar play for both India and Pakistan?
Abdul Hafeez Kardar played for India before Partition (1946-1947) and later became the first captain of the Pakistani cricket team in Test matches.
Which years did Gul Mohammad represent both India and Pakistan?
Gul Mohammad played for India from 1936 to 1952 before representing Pakistan in Test matches from 1952 to 1955.
Who was Amir Elahi?
Amir Elahi was a cricketer who played for Lahore Gymkhana, Northern India, Delhi, Southern Punjab, Bahawalpur, Patiala, Muslims, Railways (India), Services Cricket Team (Pakistan), Rest of North Zone (India), East Punjab. He represented both Indian national cricket team in pre-independence era and later went on to play for Pakistani national cricket team post-independence.
MyKhel Sports
Story first published: Thursday, August 10, 2023, 17:06 [IST]
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