Legendary cricketer Salim Durani passes at 88; PM Modi says, ‘Pained by his demise... He will surely be missed'

Salim Durani: Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the demise of India's legendary cricketer Salim Durani who passed on Sunday at the age 88. The prime minister remembered Durani’s key contribution to India's rise in the cricketing world and said Durani was an “institution in himself.”

“Salim Durani Ji was a cricketing legend, an institution in himself. He made a key contribution to India’s rise in the world of cricket. On and off the field, he was known for his style. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace,” Modi said in a tweet.

Association with Gujarat

The prime minister also recalled Durani's strong association with his home state Gujarat.

“Salim Durani Ji had a very old and strong association with Gujarat. He played for Saurashtra and Gujarat for a few years. He also made Gujarat his home. I have had the opportunity to interact with him and was deeply impressed by his multifaceted persona. He will surely be missed,” he added.

Durani was living with his younger brother, Jahangir Durani, in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

A debonair cricketer

Born in Kabul, the Indian cricketer packed a punch with his bat. He had a penchant for hitting huge sixes on demand. The debonair cricketer was known for his fine dressing style and swagger. He scored one century and seven fifties in 50 innings and scored 1,202 runs. The star cricketer also tried his luck in Bollywood and acted opposite Praveen Babi in the movie Charitra in 1973.

Durani was the country’s first Arjuna Award winner in cricket.

Tributes poured in soon after the news of his death broke. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said in a tweet: "Saddened by the news that cricket legend Salim Durani has passed away. Born in Kabul too early for the white-ball era in which he'd have thrived, the volatile genius was a crowd-pleaser&public favourite: "No Durani No Test" posters went up when he was dropped against England. RIP"

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