Zaheer Abbas prays for early recovery of Hanif Muhammad

Lahore : Pakistan’s batting icon Zaheer Abbas has prayed for the speedy recovery of legendary former captain Hanif Muhammad, who is admitted to a hospital after suffering from respiratory problems.

82-year- old Hanif was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago and underwent chemotherapy and surgery for his lung cancer in 2013 in London .

Zaheer Abbas, who is Head of Cricket Academies Sports Board Punjab, said Hanif is his favourite batsman and he always wished to see him batting and scoring big knocks. “Hanif has always been a great inspiration for young batsmen,” Zaheer, who recently completed his one-year term as International Cricket Council (ICC) President,said while showering praise on legendary cricketer.

Hanif appeared in 55 Tests for Pakistan and earned the status of a superstar cricketer due to his batting exploits. He played for Pakistan between 1952-53 and 1969-70 and hit 12 Test hundreds including mammoth knock of 337 against the West Indies in 1957-58. Hanif also once scored 499 runs in a first class match in Karachi. His 499 stood as the highest first class innings for more than 35 years before being surpassed by Brian Lara in 1994.