Former Pakistan cricket stalwart Wazir Mohammad dies aged 95 in Birmingham

Pakistan cricket mourned the loss of its oldest living cricketer, Wazir Mohammad, who passed away at the age of 95 in Birmingham, United Kingdom, on Monday. His death marks the end of an era in Pakistan’s early cricketing history.

Wazir Mohammad was the eldest of the legendary Mohammad brothers, which included Hanif, Mushtaq, and Sadiq—each of whom made notable contributions to Pakistan cricket. Wazir Mohammad, recognized for his reliable batting and strong technique, featured in 20 Test matches for Pakistan from 1952 to 1959, becoming an important player during the early years of the nation’s cricketing history and laying the foundation for future success.

He was also the last surviving member of Pakistan’s inaugural Test squad, which played its first-ever Test match in 1952. Wazir’s passing not only closes an important chapter in Pakistan’s cricket legacy but also reminds fans of the remarkable contribution the Mohammad family made in shaping the nation’s cricketing identity.

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Who is Wazir Mohammad?

Wazir Mohammad was a resolute middle-order batsman, renowned for his solid defence and ability to anchor innings. His highest Test score came in the fifth Test against the West Indies at Port of Spain in 1957–58, when he batted for nearly seven hours to guide Pakistan to an innings victory. Earlier, he had top-scored with 42 not out in Pakistan’s famous 24-run win against England at The Oval in 1954, playing a key role in one of the nation’s early historic triumphs.

Wazir’s first-class career spanned from 1950 to 1964, during which he captained Karachi Whites to a close defeat in the 1963–64 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final. In 1963, he was appointed captain of the Pakistan Eaglets, a team of young talent touring England; 14 of the 18 players from that squad went on to play Test cricket, and four later became Test captains.

Affectionately nicknamed “Wisden” for his encyclopedic knowledge of cricket statistics and trivia, Wazir also had a successful professional life as a banker, primarily with the National Bank of Pakistan, balancing both his sporting and professional commitments with distinction.

Mohsin Naqvi Extends Heartfelt Condolences to Wazir’s Family:

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi offered his heartfelt condolences to Wazir Mohammad’s family, honouring his remarkable service to Pakistan cricket. Naqvi praised Wazir’s lasting influence on the nation’s cricketing heritage and remembered him as one of the key figures who shaped Pakistan’s early cricketing identity.

After retiring from international cricket, Wazir Mohammad served as an advisor to the Pakistan Cricket Board before moving to the United Kingdom. Following in the footsteps of his renowned brothers, Wazir Mohammad was celebrated for his elegant batting, combining skillful technique with composure, earning admiration from fans and peers alike.