Pakistan’s oldest Test cricketer Wazir Mohammad passes away

Pakistan’s oldest living Test cricketer and the eldest of the legendary Mohammad brothers, Wazir Mohammad, passed away in the United Kingdom at the age of 95.

Born on December 22, 1929, in the princely state of Junagadh, Wazir was among Pakistan’s pioneering Test cricketers, representing the country between 1952 and 1959. A resilient middle-order batter, he featured in 22 Tests, scoring 801 runs with two centuries and three fifties, and also claimed 24 wickets during his career.

Wazir played a crucial role in Pakistan’s historic first Test victory over England at The Oval in 1954, remaining unbeaten on 42 as the visitors clinched a 24-run win — a result that established Pakistan’s credibility in world cricket.

In 1957, he produced one of his finest performances, scoring 189 runs at Port of Spain to help Pakistan to a famous victory against the West Indies. Known for his grit and patience at the crease, Wazir was regarded as a technically sound batter and a dependable performer under pressure.

Off the field, Wazir pursued a career in banking, serving at the National Bank of Pakistan following his retirement from cricket.

He was the eldest of five cricketing brothers — Raees, Hanif, Mushtaq, and Sadiq Mohammad — four of whom represented Pakistan in Test cricket, while Raees Mohammad featured in first-class cricket.

His nephew, Shoaib Mohammad, also went on to play for Pakistan, continuing the family’s remarkable cricketing legacy.

His funeral prayers will be offered at Birmingham’s Central Mosque, followed by burial in the local cemetery.

Wazir’s younger brother Sadiq Mohammad and nephew Shoaib Mohammad expressed deep grief over his passing.

Tributes also poured in from across Pakistan’s cricket fraternity, with former Test captains Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas, Moin Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Wasim Bari, and Aamir Sohail among those mourning his death.

Wazir Mohammad’s passing marks the end of an era — one that laid the foundation of Pakistan cricket through talent, integrity, and perseverance.