Hanif Muhammad - A man to be remembered

The 'Little Master' was a member of Pakistan's first touring squad that went to India in 1954-55

KARACHI: Former Pakistani Test cricketer and batting legend Hanif Muhammad breathed his last on Thursday at the Aga Khan hospital in Karachi. At his peak, Hanif was considered to be one of the world's finest batsmen.

The 81-year-old’s death was confirmed earlier Thursday by a spokesperson at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi where he was being treated following a long battle with cancer.

A young Hanif Mohammad. PHOTO: FILE

Born on December 21, 1934 in Junagadh, Hanif played 55 Test matches for Pakistan between 1952-53 and 1969-70 and averaged a fine 43.98 with 12 centuries.

Hanif Mohammad in his youth. PHOTO: PCB

His career spanned over 17 years, having earned him the moniker of 'Little Master', which was later assumed by Sachin Tendulkar.

Hanif was a member of Pakistan's first touring squad that went to India in 1954-55.

In January 2009, Hanif was named among the inaugural batch of 55 inductees into the ICC’s Hall of Fame, along with two other Pakistani players — Imran Khan and Javed Miandad.

PHOTO: FILE

He scored the worlds first-ever triple century in a Test matches’ second inning when he scored 337 in Bridgetown against the West Indies. To date, he is the only batsman to score one along with New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum who did so in 2014.

Hanif Mohammad shakes hands with former president Pervez Musharraf. PHOTO: PCB

In 2013 the legendary cricketer was diagnosed with lung cancer and traveled to London to receive treatment. After a long battle with the disease, he was admitted to AKU on July 31 due to respiratory complications, and was put on a ventilator last week as his condition deteriorated.

Hanif Mohammad in the Pakistan nets, Lord's, April 26, 1962. PHOTO: PA PHOTOS

He sadly passed away on Thursday, much to the grief of his many fans.