Wazir Mohammad, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s nascent cricketing identity and the nation’s oldest living Test cricketer, has passed away at the age of 95 in Birmingham, UK. His death marks the end of an era, closing the final chapter on a life that was inextricably linked to the very birth of Pakistan as a Test-playing nation.
From Junagadh to the World Stage
Born on December 22, 1929, in Junagadh, Gujarat, Wazir Mohammad was part of a cricketing dynasty that would become legendary. He was the third of the famed five Mohammad brothers, a family that gifted Pakistan some of its most iconic players, including the great Hanif Mohammad. Wazir’s journey from pre-partition India to becoming a pillar of Pakistan’s first national team is a story of resilience and sporting excellence.
Wazir Mohammad: A Pillar of Pakistan’s Inaugural Test Squad
Wazir Mohammad’s name is forever etched in history as a member of Pakistan’s inaugural Test squad that toured India in 1952. He made his debut at the Brabourne Stadium in Bombay on November 13, 1952, under the captaincy of Abdul Hafeez Kardar, joining a select group of pioneers who laid the foundation for a cricket-crazed nation . Over a seven-year international career, he played 20 Test matches, leaving an indelible mark with his elegant and dependable right-handed batting .
Defining Innings: Grace Under Pressure
While his brother Hanif was known for his marathon knocks, Wazir carved his own niche with moments of sheer brilliance that often turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor during its formative years.
- The Masterpiece in Trinidad: His crowning achievement was a magnificent, unbeaten 189 against a formidable West Indies attack at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain during the 1957-58 tour. This innings was not just a personal triumph but a strategic masterclass that set up a crucial victory for his team .
- The Oval’s Unsung Hero: In Pakistan’s historic first-ever Test win on English soil at The Oval in 1954, the spotlight rightly fell on Fazal Mahmood for his 12-wicket match haul. However, it was Wazir Mohammad’s top-score of 42 in a low-scoring thriller that provided the vital platform for that famous 24-run victory . Without his gritty contribution, the legendary Fazal might not have had a target to defend.
Wazir Mohammad’s Career at a Glance
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wazir Mohammad |
| Born | December 22, 1929, Junagadh, India |
| Died | October 2025, Birmingham, UK (aged 95) |
| Test Career | 1952 – 1959 |
| Matches Played | 20 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm slow |
| Notable Innings | 189* vs WI (1958), 42 vs ENG (1954) |
A Legacy Beyond the Boundary
Wazir Mohammad’s contribution transcends statistics. He was a key figure in a generation that had to build a national team and identity from scratch. His calm demeanor and technical proficiency at the crease provided stability to a young and often volatile side. After his cricketing career, he served his country as a banker, embodying the quiet dignity that characterized his life both on and off the field.
His passing leaves a void in the hearts of cricket historians and fans who remember the golden age of Pakistani cricket. He was the last surviving link to that inaugural 1952 tour, a living archive of the sport’s most formative years in the country.