Web desk: Former Pakistan Test cricketer Wazir Mohammad passed away in Birmingham, United Kingdom. He passed away at the age of 95 on Monday.
Wazir Mohammad’s Legacy
Wazir Mohammad was born on December 22, 1929, in Junagadh, Gujarat, India. He was a right-handed batsman and right-arm bowler. He passed away at the age of 95.
Wazir Mohammad had a reputation for being a disciplined fighter in his batting style and with a stable temperament.
Also, he was one of the pioneers of the torchbearers of Pakistani cricket, who represented the nation with honour in its early days in international cricket.
Wazir also played 20 Test matches and accumulated 801 runs for Pakistan. His disciplined approach and cool manner of batting were also much-adored.
His hard-working nature made him one of the most reliable players of his time.
As per the reports, his highest Test score was 189 runs against the West Indies in Port of Spain during the 1957–58 series. He batted for nearly seven hours in that match, helping Pakistan secure an innings victory.
He was also Pakistan’s top scorer with 42 not out when the team defeated England by 24 runs at The Oval in 1954.
His first-class career spanned from 1950 to 1964. In his final season, he captained Karachi Whites, who narrowly lost the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final in 1963–64.
In 1963, Wazir led the Pakistan Eaglets, a team of young players touring England. Fourteen of the 18 players from that squad went on to play Test cricket, and four later became Test captains.
After retiring from cricket, Wazir worked as a banker, mainly with the National Bank of Pakistan, as per the reports.
He lived in Solihull, England. Following the death of Israr Ali in 2016, Wazir became Pakistan’s oldest living Test cricketer.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Pays Tribute to Wazir Mohammad
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep grief over his death and paid tribute to his lifelong contributions to the sport.
“Wazir Mohammad’s services to cricket will always be remembered,” Naqvi said in his condolence message.
The PCB and Pakistan’s cricketing community extended their condolences to the bereaved family.
They honoured Wazir as an integral part of the iconic Mohammad brothers. The entire family has played a vital role in laying the foundations of Pakistan cricket.
