The global cricketing community is saddened by the news of Wazir Mohammad’s passing. Pakistan’s oldest living Test cricketer, and a respected veteran of the sport, he died at the age of 95 in Birmingham, United Kingdom, on Monday.
Wazir Mohammad was the eldest among the famed Mohammad brothers, a family synonymous with Pakistani cricket. He represented his nation in 20 Test matches between 1952 and 1959 and held the unique distinction of being the last surviving member of Pakistan’s first-ever Test squad, which took the field in 1952.
Following his retirement from active play, Wazir continued to contribute significantly to the sport, serving as an advisor to the Pakistan Cricket Board before making his home in the UK. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi extended profound condolences to Mohammad’s grieving family, acknowledging his immense and lasting contributions to the sport in Pakistan.
Known for his elegant and graceful batting style, Wazir Mohammad delivered several pivotal performances throughout his career. Among his most celebrated achievements was an outstanding innings of 189 runs against the West Indies at Port of Spain during the 1957-58 series, which proved instrumental in securing a victory for Pakistan. Another notable moment was his crucial score of 42 runs, which was Pakistan’s highest in the historic 1954 Oval Test win, marking a significant milestone in the country’s cricketing journey.
Wazir Mohammad’s legacy transcends statistics; he embodied the spirit and pioneering courage of early Pakistani cricket. He will be fondly remembered for his unwavering dedication and his elegant presence both on and off the field.