ahsan was born in peshawar, north-west frontier province (now khyber pakhtunkhwa) on 15 july 1939, and was an urdu-speaker. he was educated at islamia college, peshawar. ahsan was never married. former pakistan cricketer, aftab baloch, said about ahsan that he was a "fine gentleman". he had conflicts with former pakistan captain javed burki. a controversy regarding his bowling action arose during a test match against india. this was sixth match in which he was "called for throwing." he continued his bowling until the issue reappeared during pakistan's tour to england in 1962; the controversy ended his international career at the age of 23.