Former Pakistan Test batter Wazir Mohammad passed away on Monday at the age of 95, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed, marking the end of an era for one of the nation’s cricketing pioneers. Born in Junagadh, India, in 1929, Wazir was part of the renowned Mohammad family that helped lay the foundation for Pakistan cricket’s early success. His siblings—Hanif, Mushtaq, Raees, and Sadiq—were all gifted cricketers who represented Pakistan, making the Mohammad family a cornerstone of the country’s cricketing heritage.
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Between 1952 and 1959, Wazir Mohammad represented Pakistan in 20 Test matches, scoring 801 runs at an average of 27.62. Although the numbers might not fully capture his impact, Wazir’s batting was defined by patience, technique, and an unwavering resolve that helped Pakistan achieve key milestones during its formative years in international cricket. His first-class career told a more accurate story of his talent—scoring runs consistently and maintaining an impressive average of over 40 across 160 matches.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over his passing, praising him as not only an exceptional cricketer but also a gentleman. “Wazir Mohammad was a good batsman and an extremely refined human being,” Naqvi said, extending condolences to his family and offering prayers for the departed soul.
Wazir’s influence stretched beyond his own performances. His leadership and understanding of the game earned him great respect among teammates. Known for his discipline and calm demeanor, he often acted as a guiding force for his younger brothers. His brother Sadiq Mohammad, while remembering him, said that Wazir played a key role in shaping their careers. It was Wazir who encouraged Sadiq to switch to left-handed batting so that the family could have both right and left-hand batters—a decision that ultimately defined Sadiq’s cricketing journey.
Wazir’s cricketing journey included several memorable performances that cemented his place in Pakistan’s cricket history. One of his most celebrated innings came during the 1954 Oval Test against England, where he batted for over four hours for an unbeaten 42 runs, helping Pakistan secure their maiden Test win in England. He also played a crucial role in Pakistan’s first-ever victory over Australia in the 1956-57 series, forming a match-winning partnership with captain Abdul Hafeez Kardar. In the 1957-58 series against the West Indies, Wazir stood out once again, scoring Pakistan’s only century in the match to help his team achieve their first win over the West Indies—an extraordinary feat against a world-class bowling attack featuring Wes Hall and Charlie Griffith.
His deep understanding of cricket’s rules and strategies made him a valuable advisor to Captain Kardar. Wazir’s grasp of the laws came in handy during a 1957-58 Test match in Kingston when Garry Sobers scored his record-breaking 365. After the pitch was damaged by fans storming the ground, Wazir advised Kardar to protest against batting on an unsafe wicket—a move that was later upheld by the umpires upon checking the rule book. Such moments highlighted his intelligence and composure on the field.
Off the field, Wazir Mohammad was admired for his humility and discipline. After retiring from cricket, he served as an advisor to the PCB before eventually moving to the United Kingdom. Even in his later years, he was remembered for his sharp memory, gentle nature, and lifelong dedication to the game. His brother Sadiq recalled how Wazir’s strict routine and early-to-bed lifestyle reflected the same discipline that defined his cricketing career.
Wazir Mohammad’s passing marks the loss of one of the founding figures of Pakistan cricket—a man whose calm strength, technical brilliance, and leadership helped shape the nation’s cricketing spirit in its early years. His contribution extends far beyond statistics; it lives in the legacy of a family that carried Pakistan’s cricket dreams through talent, unity, and an unyielding love for the game.
