ICC Hall of Famer Hanif Mohammad hospitalized, PM Nawaz Sharif steps in

With former Pakistan batsman Hanif Mohammad battling respiratory problems, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed the government to bear all expenses for the 81-year old’s treatment.

Speaking to Dawn.com, Hanif’s son Shoaib Mohammad said that the stalwart was shifted to a hospital after he complained of breathing issues. Consequently, Sharif ordered concerned officials to allocate full resources to his recovery.

Hanif was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 and underwent an operation in London for the same. However, the malignant tumor spread with time and resulted in respiratory troubles.

Also a renowned international opener in the mid-80s to early 90s for Pakistan, Shoaib revealed, “We sent the latest biopsy to our doctor in London and he said that chemotherapy will not be an effective option for further treatment.“

He added, “The latest and effective treatment for this problem costs double the amount of the previous treatment and we will need the help of the government. Probably from sports funds to help his (Hanif's) recovery.”

Making his debut in 1952 against arch-rivals India at Delhi, Hanif represented Pakistan in 55 Tests and scored 3915 runs at an average of 43.98 including 12 centuries and 15 fifties.

His painstaking 337 from over 16 hours in West Indies at Kensington Oval against a bowling lineup featuring Garry Sobers, Roy Gilchrist and Alf Valentine to save the match while following-on became a part of cricket folklore.

The right-hander also compiled a world record 499 in a domestic match which remained the highest individual first-class score for 35 years until Brian Lara overhauled the effort in 1994.

For his contribution to the sport, Hanif was inducted into the ICC’s Hall of Fame in the inaugural list of 55 eminent cricketers during January 2009.