Nazar Mohammad, a prominent name in the history of Pakistani cricket, made a significant impact on the development of the sport in his country. Mohammad was born on December 15, 1924, in Amritsar, Punjab, India. He contributed to the growth of cricket in Pakistan during its formative years and carved his own niche in the cricketing world.
Nazar Mohammad made his Test debut on October 16, 1952, against India in Delhi. He etched his name in the annals of cricketing history by becoming the first Pakistani player to face a Test delivery. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would see Mohammad break several records and become an important figure in Pakistani cricket.
Just a few matches later, during the second Test in Lucknow in the same series, the cricketing world witnessed Mohammad’s incredible skills as a batsman. In a match where he carried his bat for an unbeaten 124 runs, he became Pakistan’s first Test centurion. The innings lasted for an astonishing eight hours and thirty-five minutes, showcasing his immense patience and determination at the crease. This notable achievement was instrumental in leading Pakistan to an innings victory, a triumph that resonated with the cricketing fraternity.
Furthermore, Nazar Mohammad’s dedication to his craft was evident in the third and final Test of the series against India. Despite facing a career-threatening injury soon after, Mohammed managed to contribute significantly to the team’s cause by scoring 55 and 47 runs in both innings. This resilience demonstrated his exceptional skills as a batsman and his commitment to the game.
Unfortunately, a domestic accident inflicted a severe arm injury on Nazar Mohammad, ultimately forcing him to retire from international cricket. Despite the premature end to his playing career, Mohammad remained heavily involved in the game. He seamlessly transitioned into coaching and went on to become one of Pakistan’s renowned cricketing coaches and selectors. Alongside his contributions as a coach, Mohammad also became well-known for his captivating storytelling abilities, sharing his vast cricketing experiences and knowledge with the younger generation.
Nazar Mohammad’s influence on Pakistani cricket extended far beyond his playing days. His son, Mudassar Nazar, followed in his footsteps and played 76 Test matches for Pakistan, further solidifying their family’s legacy in cricketing history. Nazar’s impact on the sport was so significant that his name continues to be remembered and revered by cricket enthusiasts even today.
On July 12, 1996, at the age of 75, Nazar Mohammad breathed his last breath, leaving behind a remarkable cricketing legacy. His contributions to Pakistani cricket, both on and off the field, made him an instrumental figure in the country’s cricketing history. Mohammad’s resilience, determination, and exemplary skills as a batsman remain an inspiration for aspiring cricketers in Pakistan and continue to shape the nation’s cricketing future.
