One of the pioneers, Nazir Ali played in India's first Test at Lord's in 1932 and then represented the country again at Madras in the final Test of the 1933-34 series. He did not enjoy much success, which was baffling, for he was a gifted attacking batsman. Besides, he was a medium-pace bowler, good enough to take 4 for 83 in the England second innings at Madras, and a splendid fielder.

Nazir Ali first came into prominence with his allround efforts against Arthur Gilligan's team which visited India in 1926-27. Gilligan in fact was so impressed that he suggested that Nazir Ali should qualify for Sussex. Subsequently, he represented the county once, besides playing much cricket in England, an experience that stood him in good stead during the 1932 tour, when he made 1020 runs (average 31.87) and took 23 wickets (average 21.78). A stalwart for many years for Southern Punjab, Nazir Ali in a first-class career that stretched for 25 years, scored almost 3500 runs at an average of a little over 30. He also took more than 150 wickets. The younger brother of Wazir Ali, Nazir Ali in later years was fairly prominent in the administration of the game in Pakistan.
Partab Ramchand