A legend passes away

Pakistan's former test cricketer Hanif Mohammad, popularly known the "Little master" died at the age of 81 by plunging cricket lovers all over the world into mourning. The right-handed batsman was one of the country's early cricketers who played an integral role for Pakistan in achieving Test status. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and had been receiving treatment for respiratory complications when he passed away in Aga Khan Hospital in Karachi. He played for the Pakistani cricket team in 55 Test matches between 1952–53 and 1969–70 and averaged 43.98, including twelve hundreds. At his peak, he was considered one of the best batsmen the world. His 337 against West Indies in Barbados in 1958 lasted 16 hours 10 minutes, which remains a Test record.

Many other members of Hanif's family were cricketers too. His brothers Mushtaq, Sadiq and Wazir played Tests for Pakistan, as did his son Shoaib. Another brother Raees was once twelfth man for Pakistan, and four of his nephews had first-class careers.  His mother Ameer Bee was also a national badminton champion in pre-independence India. 

In his passing, Hanif Mohammad will be missed by his family and millions of fans. 

Zeeshan Nasir

On email