Salim Bhagalia passes away
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has learned with sadness of the passing away of legendary fast bowler Salim Bhagalia at the age of 90 in Ermelo.
Bhagalia was one of the best fast bowlers produced in the Indian community in South Africa in the early 1940’s. He was a most fearsome left-arm bowler and struck terror in the opposing teams’ batsmen.
He captained the Eastern Transvaal Cricket Union and played club cricket for Ermelo and Krugersdorp Old Boys. He represented The Wits Union, Transvaal and South African Indians. He was also a very good lower-order batsman and a tremendous all-round fielder. He was most loved for his humour and for his fiery temper.
Bhagalia played in many of the bi-ennial tournaments and was instrumental in his province winning the tournament in 1951 in Cape Town.
A bad knee injury resulted in his eventually retiring at the ripe old age of 59!
“He was truly a warrior of the game and on behalf of the CSA family I extend our sincere condolences to his family,” commented CSA Acting CEO Jacques Faul.
He will be buried today in his home town of Ermelo.
