Asian cricket great Hanif Mohammad passes away

Karachi, Aug 11: Legendary Pakistan Test batsman Hanif Mohammad on Thursday passed away at a Karachi hospital, a hospital spokesman said. He was 81.

Known as Asian Bradman, Hanif was suffering from lung cancer for which he underwent surgery in London in 2013. 

He was shifted to the ventilator at the Aga Khan Hospital here a couple of days ago after his health deteriorated. He was hospitalised three weeks ago due to breathing problems. 

Hanif represented Pakistan in 55 Tests between 1952 and 1969 and scored 3,915 runs at a healthy average of 43.98, which included 12 glorious hundreds.

Tributes have poured in from the cricket world.

"ICC expresses sadness at the passing of Hall of Famer Hanif Mohammad," tweeted ICC, quoting its CEO David Richardson as saying that "Hanif took batting to great heights and many batsmen drew inspiration from him."

Wasim Akram posted on Twitter: "Rest In Peace Little Master. The Legendary batsmen Hanif Mohammad will be missed but never forgotten. My Love to Shoaib & family at this time."

Earlier in the day, media reports had said that Hanif had died, but his son Shoaib said that his father's heartbeat had been restored "six minutes later".

Born in Junagadh, Hanif still holds the record for highest score (337) in an innings by a Pakistani batsman, followed by Inzamamul Haq (329) and Younus Khan (313). He was also named as Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1968.