Warwickshire President Dennis Amiss has paid tribute to his former Bears teammate Khalid "Billy" Ibadulla, describing him as a “warm, intelligent man” and a “wonderful cricketer”.
Amiss played alongside Ibadulla – Bears’ legendary all-rounder who died recently aged 88 – for more than a decade between 1960 and 1972.
“We loved him,” said Amiss. “He was a special cricketer, one of the greatest, and we had lots of fun times together. He had an infectious laugh, I can hear it now.
“We played together over many years and toured together. He was a lovely team man, on and off the field. Intelligent, warm, and a wonderful cricketer.
“He had all the attributes and a wonderful track record in the game. We’ve lost one of the greats. I’ll always remember him.”
Amiss – the Club’s leading first class run scorer – made his Warwickshire debut aged 17 at The Oval.
But he had to look on from the pavilion as Ibadulla (pic above left, last year) put on an opening bat masterclass, scoring 170 in an unbeaten 377 partnership with Norman Horner.
“It was incredible to watch,” added the 81-year-old. “They declared on 377 without loss and my debut was recorded as ‘did not bat’!
“But he was an incredible mentor, a wonderful person to learn the game from. As young players we wanted some help and guidance. Along with Jack Bannister at the time, I couldn’t have asked for better role models.
“We all wanted Billy’s spot at the top of the order but he was such a good batter he wasn’t going to let it go easily. He kept me waiting a few years before he moved lower down the order and I got my chance.
“He had everything: he could bowl off-spinners, seam, and open the batting. And a really good short square leg fielder when MJK Smith didn’t fancy fielding there!
“With his off spinners, everybody went for the turn and they would go straight on. He’d get lots of wickets that way. It took batters a year or two to work him out.”
But it was Billy’s kind nature and fun loving personality that Amiss will remember as much as he natural cricketing talent.
He added: “We had some fun together, Billy was always up for a laugh in the dressing room. He could be really naughty at times, lots of micky taking and he gave as good as he got. We loved him at Warwickshire.
“We visited Billy and his family in New Zealand, Dunedin, and shared some memories. He was a lovely family man and we’re all very saddened by his passing. He’ll long be remembered.”
