WAQAR Hasan, Pakistan’s prolific batsman, who had played the country’s first Test match against India at Delhi in 1952, died in Karachi on Feb 10. He would mostly come in to play at one wicket down and dominated Pakistan’s Test cricket during the decade of fifties.

In his foreword to Waqar’s autobiography, the Little Master, legendary Hanif Mohammad, wrote: “Waqar Hasan was not only a handsome looking member of the side, who played for Pakistan in the fifties but also a very graceful and stylish batsman.”

During their tour of Pakistan in 1958-59, the West Indies played a Test match in Lahore, in which Waqar scored 41 and 28 respectively, in the two innings. He played the last Test of his career against Australia in Lahore during the 1959-60 series. I had watched Waqar play in both the Test matches and was quite impressed with his enthusiasm and total commitment to the game and sincerity for the country.

I became a member of the Old Ravians’ Association, the Government College, Lahore, old students body after moving to Karachi. Waqar was also a member and remained its president for a few years. The students of this great alma mater are called Ravians.

When his autobiography, For cricket and country with Qamar Ahmed, was published, Waqar wanted a review of his book to be published in Dawn. I wrote it, and Dawn’s Books & Authors then headed by Zubeida Mustafa, published it on May 19, 2002.

Waqar was a simple, humble and thorough gentleman adored by all for his personality.

Parvez Rahim
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2020