Legendary Pakistan batsman Hanif Mohammad, who has been battling lung cancer, was on Monday put on a ventilator after his condition worsened during his ongoing treatment at a private hospital in Karachi. Confirming the news, Hanif's son Shoaib Mohammad said his father was admitted to the Aga Khan Hospital in Karachi last week after a two-week-long struggle with breathing problems and congestion.
The 81-year-old was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013. The legend underwent a surgery in London and the disease was brought under control. He said doctors in London had ruled out the option of chemotherapy after seeing his father's latest biopsy report. Shoaib, who is a Pakistan International Airlines employee, said the treatments were expensive and he would seek the government's help or sports' funds for his father's recovery.
Hanif made 55 Test appearances for Pakistan between 1952-53 and 1969-70, having averaged 43.98, including 12 centuries. Hanif authored the longest ever Test innings in the history of Test cricket - a marathon 970-minute 337 for Pakistan against West Indies at Bridgetown, wherein he compiled century stands with four different players including his brother, Wazir. The hot steak continued as he made 499 for Karachi versus Bahawalpur before being ironically run-out whilst attempting the 500th run, the very next year in 1959. The record stood tall as the highest first-class individual score until Brain Lara eclipsed it in 1994. He also held the unique distinction of making a ton against all his Test opponents in 'away' conditions, which highlighted his adaptive abilities.
Hanif, nicknamed Little Master, was born in Junagadh, Gujarat, on December 21, 1934. His brothers - Mushtaq, Sadiq, Wazir and his son Shoaib - all figured in Tests for Pakistan. He made his test debut on October 16, 1952 vs India at Feroz Shah Kotla ground. He played his last test on October 24, 1969, vs New Zealand. Hanif also bagged Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in 1968. He was named among the inaugural batch of 55 inductees into the ICC's Hall of Fame. Interestingly, Hanif was ambidextrous with the ball and also served as an occasional keeper. Following his retirement, he ran the Pakistan International Airlines colts scheme before taking up the position of Pakistan's batting consultant in 2002.
