‘Govt to pay all medical expenses of Hanif Muhammad’

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced that the federal government would bear all medical expenses of former Pakistan cricketer Hanif Muhammad.

The 81-year old was hospitalised early Sunday due to complications from a recurring cancer disease. According to doctors the legend will be undergoing a series of tests in Karachi. The prime minister praised the legendary batsman for his services to the country and also prayed for his speedy recovery.

Earlier, however, the batting legend complained that no government official was responding to his calls for financial assistance. “My son Shoaib has been calling everyone including Sindh’s governor, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz Sharif but no one answered,” he said. “I consider myself an unfortunate person because of this,” he added. 

Born in Junagadh then part of British India Hanif represented Pakistan in 55 Tests, scoring 3,915 runs at an average of 43.98. He still holds the record for highest score (337) in an innings by a Pakistani batsman followed by Inzamamul Haq (329) and Younus Khan (313). The veteran was also named as Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1968.