Hanif was source of inspiration for me, says Zaheer Abbas

E-Paper | June 13, 2026

KARACHI: Pakistan former captain Zaheer Abbas on Thursday expressed grief over the sad demise of legendary batsman Hanif Mohammad.

Talking to DawnNews, the former International Cricket Council (ICC) president said: "Hanif Mohammad was the greatest cricketer Pakistan has ever produced and his performances will be remembered for times to come."

Read: Legendary batsman Hanif Mohammad dies at 81

"He was the source of inspiration for me and I am forever grateful to him for his help and encouragement during my career."

The Asian Bradman further said, "Hanif used to say that I can break his records," adding that the batting great was the first person to suggest him to bat at one-down position during Pakistan's tour of England in 1971.

"He was a cricketing genius and helped every Pakistani batter when during his poor form."

Such was his stature that cricketers used to feel proud just by standing along him, added Abbas, who scored 108 first-class centuries.

"His 337-run knock against West Indies will remain to be one of the greatest knocks in cricket's history," Abbas concluded.

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Pramod

Aug 11, 2016 07:12pm

Hanif Mohamed was definitely one of the greatest batsman.

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Rohit

Aug 11, 2016 08:08pm

RIP Great man!

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dipak

Aug 11, 2016 08:09pm

one of the greatest batsman of all time.

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Raza

Aug 11, 2016 08:45pm

RIP

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Aug 11, 2016 10:43pm

He is 100 percent right.

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Mansoor Banglani

Aug 12, 2016 06:40am

A sad demise. RIP.

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Ray

Aug 12, 2016 01:08pm

One of the greatest Pakistan bastmen, if not the greatest. RIP and condolences to the family.

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spellbinder

Aug 13, 2016 03:17am

In the 50's and early 60's the mix between Karachi and Punjab players was half and half. Karachi produced good batsmen [ Hanif, Miandad and Zaheer Abbas are a great example] Out of 221 new caps approx. 50 caps have been given to players from Karachi. But since 2000 out of 60 new caps only 9 were given to players from Karachi. But these new caps have played very little test cricket as the likes of Faisal Iqbal and Fawad Alam, Mohammad Sami, Manzoor Junior, Tanvir Ahmad, Anwar Ali, Sadaf have played none or very few tests. Only Asad Shafiq has played regularly and Sarfaraz Ahmad was introduced when Adnan Akmal got injured, so Sarfaraz was not the first choice. Cricket is the only sport left as hockey is doomed and we see Rio Olympics. Players from Karachi needs equal exposure to show their talent, if none of these players are in the list of 32 for the camp how can they show their talent. PCB needs to be fair to the city of Hanif.

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