Mohammad Nazir, a former Pakistan off-spinner and umpire, has passed away at the age of 78 in Lahore following a prolonged illness. Fondly referred to as Nazir Jr., he leaves behind a legacy of significant contributions to cricket both on and off the field.
Nazir represented Pakistan in 14 Tests and four ODIs, with a career spanning from 1969 to 1984. He made an unforgettable debut against New Zealand in October 1969 in Karachi, where he took 7 for 99 on a spin-friendly surface. Adding to his stellar performance, he contributed a crucial unbeaten 29 runs in the first innings and 17 in the second. While the match ended in a draw, it marked a historical moment as it was Hanif Mohammad's final Test and Sadiq Mohammad's first.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed its sorrow over Nazir’s passing, noting his impactful contributions. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi extended condolences, "On behalf of the PCB, I express my condolences and grief over the demise of our former Test cricketer Mohammad Nazir," PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said. "We extend our deepest sympathies and share the grief of his friends and family. His contributions for Pakistan cricket will always be remembered."
Despite his domestic brilliance, Nazir's international appearances were sporadic. After his debut series, he played just one more Test until 1980 when he was recalled for a home series against the West Indies. This series became another milestone in his career as he dismissed the legendary Viv Richards three times, twice clean-bowled. However, he also made headlines for conceding 22 runs in a single over against Sylvester Clarke, setting a Test record at the time.
Though Nazir took 16 wickets in that series, his international journey remained inconsistent. He returned for a series in India after a three-year gap, where he claimed his third five-wicket haul in Nagpur. However, he featured in only three more Tests, all in Australia, finishing his career without a single Test victory.
In domestic cricket, Nazir was a consistent performer, known for his loyalty to Pakistan Railways. Over his first-class career, he took 829 wickets at an impressive average of 19.26. Remarkably, even at the age of 40, he managed to claim 85 wickets in the 1985-86 season.
After retiring as a player, Nazir transitioned into umpiring, officiating in five Tests and 15 ODIs. His journey stands as a testament to his dedication to cricket, both as a player and an official. Mohammad Nazir will be remembered not only for his skills on the field but also for his lasting contributions to the sport.