In a big shock to Pakistan cricket, former cricketer and umpire Mohammad Nazir has passed away in Lahore after a prolonged illness. Nazir died at the age of 78, leading to a shock in Pakistan cricket.
He played 14 Tests and 4 ODIs for the Men in Green during his cricket career which spanned between 1969 and 1984. The offspinning allrounder’s career was spread across 14 years. During the final stages of his career, he played four ODIs.
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Ex-Pakistan cricketer and umpire Mohammad Nazir passes away
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a post on social media informing about the demise of Mohammad Nazir. The board paid heartfelt condolences to Nazir’s friends and family during these tough times.
“The PCB is saddened by the passing of former Test cricketer and umpire Mohammad Nazir. He represented Pakistan in 14 Tests and four ODIs from 1969 to 1984, taking 37 international wickets. He also officiated five Tests and 15 ODIs as an umpire. PCB offers its heartfelt condolences to his friends and family,” PCB posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The PCB is saddened by the passing of former Test cricketer and umpire Mohammad Nazir. He represented Pakistan in 14 Tests and four ODIs from 1969 to 1984, taking 37 international wickets. He also officiated five Tests and 15 ODIs as an umpire. PCB offers its heartfelt… pic.twitter.com/ktBGvHdbuM
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 21, 2024
Mohammad Nazir in his debut Test
Nazir had a memorable debut Test match, which he played against New Zealand in 1969. He picked up 7-99 in his first Test innings and impressed everyone with his off-spin bowling.
Adding to this, he also scored a valuable 29 and 17 across both the innings of the match. Interestingly, Nazir remained unbeaten in both the innings. The Test match ended in a draw despite the Men in Green producing a fightback after trailing in the first innings. It was also the legendary Hanif Mohammad’s last Test match.
Nazir performed consistently in domestic cricket but played just a solitary Test after his debut Test till November 1980, when he was included in the squad for the home Test series against the formidable West Indies.
Mohammad Nazir dismissed Vivian Richards thrice
He impressed straight away, picking up the big wicket of Sir Vivian Richards thrice in the series. He was also hit for three consecutive sixes in an over in the second Test of the series by Sylvester Clarke. Nazir conceded a mammoth 22 in an over, which was a record during that time.
Nazir’s last five-wicket haul came against India in Nagpur when he picked up 5-72 in 50 overs in the second innings of the match. The match ended in a draw. After his cricket career, he officiated as an umpire in 5 Tests and 15 ODIs.
Nazir scored 144 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 18 and picked up 34 wickets at an average of 33.05. He also picked up 3 wickets in 4 ODIs at an average of 52.
