Mudassar Nazar, a distinguished cricketer from Pakistan, was known for his modesty both on and off the field. Despite not possessing the same natural talent as his partner Mohsin Khan, Mudassar made the most of his abilities during an era dominated by slow and draw-heavy Test cricket.
Hailing from a family of cricketers, Mudassar followed in the footsteps of his father, Nazar Mohammad, who was also an opening batsman for Pakistan. Mudassar, however, carved his own path and excelled particularly on slow and low pitches. One of his most noteworthy innings came against England in Lahore in 1977 when he ground out a century, taking a staggering ten hours to reach his hundred. This holds the record for the slowest Test century of all time. In 1979, he showcased a spry performance, scoring 126 runs against India in Bangalore in less than eight hours.
Mudassar’s pinnacle performance came during Pakistan’s 3-0 series win against India in 1982-83. Known for topping the run-making charts, he amassed an impressive total of 761 runs at an average of 126, including four centuries and two scores of 152. During the following year’s Faisalabad Test against India, Mudassar unfortunately fell victim to the cruel irony of being dismissed on 199, becoming the first player ever to suffer such a fate in Test cricket. In the Edgbaston Test of 1987, he played a crucial innings of 124 in the first innings, almost single-handedly guiding Pakistan to victory and helping them clinch the series 1-0. He continued his impressive run in the subsequent series against England, scoring a magnificent 120 in Lahore as Pakistan triumphed in a crushing win.
Aside from his batting prowess, Mudassar also developed his medium-paced bowling skills during his time as a league professional in England. Although not a regular bowler, he showcased his capabilities from time to time. After retiring from international cricket, he made valuable contributions as a coach. Notably, he took charge of the Kenyan national side in 2005 and served as the interim coach of the UAE in 2023. Mudassar also held several influential positions, including director of Pakistan’s National Cricket Academy, involvement with the ICC’s Global Cricket Academy in Dubai, and a national selector for the Emirates Cricket Board.
Mudassar’s dedication to the sport and his exemplary performances have left an indelible mark on Pakistani cricket. Admired for his resilience and tenacity, he remains a respected figure in the cricketing world. Mudassar’s accomplishments exemplify the notion that success is attainable through hard work and determination, even without the natural flair possessed by some of his peers. His name will forever be inscribed in the annals of Pakistani cricket history.
