Hanif Mohammad

Hanif Mohammad

Date of Birth: 21/12/1934

Playing Role: Opening Batsman

Known as the “Little Master,” Hanif Mohammad was Pakistan’s first great cricketing icon and the foundation stone of the country’s batting legacy. After migrating to Pakistan post-Partition, Hanif grew up in Karachi, where he began his cricketing journey and eventually became a symbol of resilience and technical brilliance.

He made his Test debut at the age of 17 and quickly gained global recognition for his unmatched patience, rock-solid defense, and mental fortitude. His name became synonymous with endurance and elegance, setting standards for generations of Pakistani batsmen to come.

Acheivements

  • Played the longest innings in Test history: 337 runs over 970 minutes (more than 16 hours!) against the West Indies in 1958

  • First Pakistani to score a triple century in Test cricket

  • Held the record for the highest individual score in first-class cricket (499) for over 35 years

  • Scored centuries against all major Test-playing nations of his time

  • Played in Pakistan’s inaugural Test match in 1952

  • Served as captain of Pakistan and later contributed as a coach and selector

Legacy and Contribution to Karachi Cricket

Although born in India, Hanif Mohammad’s cricketing identity was shaped in Karachi, where he lived, trained, and represented domestic teams for most of his career. His achievements on the field laid the groundwork for Karachi becoming a breeding ground of world-class cricketers.

Hanif’s discipline and methodical style inspired Karachi’s cricket academies and school-level cricket to emphasize technique and temperament. Even after retirement, his presence in the cricketing circles of Karachi remained strong, mentoring young players and promoting cricket culture across the city.

He is not only remembered as a legend of the game but also as a pioneer who helped establish Pakistan on the international cricket map.

FormatMatchesTotal RunsBat Avg.100s50sHighest ScoreBowling Eco.Total Wickets
Test 5 3915 43.98 12 15 337 N/A N/A
First Class 238 17059 52.32 55 66 499 N/A N/A