New Delhi: Pakistan’s oldest living cricketer, Wazir Mohammad, passed away in Birmingham on Monday at the age of 95. Wazir was the eldest of the renowned Mohammad cricketing family and played a significant role during Pakistan’s early Test cricket years, including their first series against India in 1952-53.
Wazir’s contributions were pivotal in securing victories for Pakistan at significant matches, notably at The Oval and in Port of Spain.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed its condolences, stating, “The PCB is deeply saddened by the passing of former Pakistan Test batter Wazir Mohammad. One of the four Mohammad brothers to represent Pakistan in Test cricket, he played in 20 matches from 1952 to 1959. The PCB extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.” In tribute, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi remarked, “Wazir Mohammad’s services to cricket will always be remembered.”
Over his career, Wazir played 20 Test matches, accumulating 801 runs in 33 innings, which included two centuries and three half-centuries, with an average of 27.62. Notably, he top-scored with 42 runs in the second innings during Pakistan’s landmark victory against England at The Oval in 1954, contributing crucial runs with the tail end of the lineup.
In the 1957-58 Test series in the Caribbean, he made a significant impact by scoring 440 runs, which featured two centuries and an unbeaten 97. One of his centuries was the fastest by a Pakistani batsman until 1967, while the other, a score of 189 at Port of Spain, secured a win for Pakistan.
Wazir was the eldest brother of cricketing legends Hanif, Mushtaq, and Sadiq Mohammad, with Hanif having passed away in 2016.
