Former Indian cricketer Salim Durani tragically passed away at his home in Jamnagar, Gujarat, at the age of 88. He was suffering from cancer. Salim had earlier undergone surgery in January to treat a fracture after suffering a fall at his home that damaged his thigh bone.
Durani was the first Indian cricketer to be awarded the Arjuna Award in 1960. He played a total of 29 Test matches for India, scoring 1202 runs during the period, including 1 century and 7 half centuries. He also picked up 755 wickets in his career.
Durani was a hero during India's series victory against England in 1961–62. He took 8 and 10 wickets in their wins at Kolkata and Chennai, respectively. A decade later, he would be instrumental in India's maiden victory against the West Indies at Port of Spain, taking the wickets of Clive Lloyd and Gary Sobers.