Pakistan cricket legend Hanif Mohammad passes away at 81
The 81-year-old was suffering from lung cancer for which he underwent surgery in London in 2013.
By Agencies | Updated:
Pakistan cricket legend Hanif Mohammad passed away today. The 81-year-old was suffering from lung cancer for which he underwent surgery in London in 2013. He was admitted to the Aga Khan Hospital here three weeks ago after he experienced breathing problems, according to The Dawn.
Earlier during the day, when reports started doing the rounds of his demise, his son Shoaib told reporters his heartbeat had become faint and the family mistakenly believed that he had passed away. But his breathing was restored after a six-minute gap.
When the news of his illness had originally started making rounds, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had announced that the federal government would bear all medical expenses of the ailing cricketer. Chief Minister of Sindh province of Pakistan Murad Ai Shah had also visited him at the hospital and presented a cheque worth one million Pakistani rupees (around Rs.6,40,000).
The cricket legend, nicknamed "Little Master", played the longest innings in Test history -- his 970-minute 337 against the West Indies in Bridgetown in 1957-58. The knock was followed a year later with the highest first-class innings at that point -- 499 run out.
Hanif was known for his defensive batting but could attack when the situation called for it, and many claim he is the originator of the reverse-sweep. Hanif represented Pakistan in 55 Tests, scoring 3,915 runs at an average of 43.98. He still holds the record for highest score (337) in an innings by a Pakistani batsman followed by Inzamamul Haq (329) and Younus Khan (313). The veteran was also named as Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 196.
Ramiz Raja was amongst the many who took to Twitter to offer their condolences.
With inputs from IANS
Earlier during the day, when reports started doing the rounds of his demise, his son Shoaib told reporters his heartbeat had become faint and the family mistakenly believed that he had passed away. But his breathing was restored after a six-minute gap.
When the news of his illness had originally started making rounds, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had announced that the federal government would bear all medical expenses of the ailing cricketer. Chief Minister of Sindh province of Pakistan Murad Ai Shah had also visited him at the hospital and presented a cheque worth one million Pakistani rupees (around Rs.6,40,000).
The cricket legend, nicknamed "Little Master", played the longest innings in Test history -- his 970-minute 337 against the West Indies in Bridgetown in 1957-58. The knock was followed a year later with the highest first-class innings at that point -- 499 run out.
Hanif was known for his defensive batting but could attack when the situation called for it, and many claim he is the originator of the reverse-sweep. Hanif represented Pakistan in 55 Tests, scoring 3,915 runs at an average of 43.98. He still holds the record for highest score (337) in an innings by a Pakistani batsman followed by Inzamamul Haq (329) and Younus Khan (313). The veteran was also named as Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 196.
Ramiz Raja was amongst the many who took to Twitter to offer their condolences.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sad to hear the passing away of great Hanif Mohammad-the original Little Master.. So grateful for setting up the show for all us cricketers!
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) August 11, 2016
With inputs from IANS
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
