Cricket world mourns the passing of the original 'Little Master'
Pakistan legend Hanif Mohammad dies at 81
Former Pakistan cricket captain Hanif Mohammad, who was dubbed 'the Little Master' years before the sobriquet was given to India's Sachin Tendulkar, has died at the age of 81.
Hanif, who was renowned for his immaculate defensive technique, played in Pakistan's first-ever Test match and scored 3,915 runs in 55 Tests.
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He is best known for playing the longest innings in Test cricket when, in 1958, he batted for 970 minutes to make 337 against West Indies in Bridgetown to save the Test for Pakistan who were following on.
Hanif scored 499 playing for Karachi in 1958-59, the highest individual score in first-class cricket until West Indian Brian Lara made 501 not out for English county Warwickshire in 1994.
"It's sad to hear of Hanif's death and I'd like to extend my condolences and those of everyone here at the ICC to Hanif's family, which counts so many cricketers in its number," International Cricket Council chief executive David Richardson said in a statement on Thursday.
"Hanif took batting to great heights and many batsmen drew inspiration from him.
"His contribution to the game has been enormous and one can only imagine the kind of impact his batting had on others over the years."
Hanif Mohammad is also the only batsman in Test history to score 300-plus in the follow-on innings. Saved the match despite 473 runs deficit
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) August 11, 2016
A host of cricketers, current and past, including India's Tendulkar, took to Twitter to offer their condolences.
Rest In Peace Little Master. The Legendary batsmen Hanif Mohammad will be missed but never forgotten.My Love to Shoaib & family at this time
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) August 11, 2016
Saddened by the passing of Hanif Muhammad. he was the first of the great Pakistani batsmen and came from the most talented cricketing family
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 11, 2016
We lost our our #Hero #HanifMohammad today. May ALLAH rest his soul in peace.Sir you will always stay in our Hearts.We will miss you dearly.
— waqar younis (@waqyounis99) August 11, 2016
Devastated on losing Hanif Mohammed saab. The art of batting today lost its top craftsman. RIP Sir
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) August 11, 2016
What a loss for our nation. My heart & prayers go out to the family, May Allah make it easy iA #HanifMohammad
— Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) August 11, 2016
Pakistan's first batting legend, an inspiration for millions. RIP #HanifMohammad May Allah grant him highest place in heaven
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) August 11, 2016
The cricketing legend #HanifMohammad was always positive and supportive. Have fond memories of meeting him in 2005. RIP
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 11, 2016
Sad to learn about the passing away of #HanifMohammad who was considered one of the best batsmen to have played this game.May his Soul RIP
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 11, 2016
The cricketing world mourns the loss of the legendary Pakistan batsman Hanif Mohammad at the age of 81 pic.twitter.com/81l7x5hBXY
— ICC (@ICC) August 11, 2016