Whenever the term Little Master is mentioned in cricket, most fans instantly think of Sachin Tendulkar. Some older followers also remember that Sunil Gavaskar once carried the same nickname. However, long before both legends, there was another batter who truly earned this title first. That pioneer was Hanif Mohammad, a man who laid the foundation of Pakistan’s cricketing identity.
Born on December 21, 1934, in Gujarat, Hanif Mohammad migrated to Pakistan after Partition and went on to become the country’s first true cricket superstar. At a time when names like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram or Zaheer Abbas did not exist, Hanif alone carried the hopes of a young cricketing nation.
Who Was Known as ‘Little Master’ Before Sachin Tendulkar?
Before Sachin Tendulkar and even Sunil Gavaskar, it was Hanif Mohammad who was first called the “Little Master” in international cricket. Standing just 5 feet 3 inches tall, Hanif was physically small but mentally unbreakable. His ability to bat for long hours, absorb pressure, and frustrate the world’s best bowlers earned him this legendary nickname.
Short Height Man Who Tested the Best Bowlers In The World
Hanif Mohammad’s height never reflected his presence at the crease. When he walked out to bat, even the fiercest bowlers struggled to dismiss him. His patience, solid defense, and remarkable concentration made him one of the toughest batters to bowl to in his era.
The finest example of his greatness came during Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies in 1957–58.
The Innings That Shocked the West Indies
In the Bridgetown Test, West Indies piled up a massive 579 runs in their first innings. Pakistan collapsed for just 106 and were forced to follow on, trailing by 473 runs. Defeat looked inevitable.
That was when Hanif Mohammad produced one of the greatest innings in Test cricket history.
Starting on Day 3, Hanif stood firm against hostile fast bowler Roy Gilchrist. Over the next three days, he barely left the crease. Despite taking painful blows on his body, he continued batting with sheer determination.
On the final day, Hanif completed a historic triple century, finishing with 337 runs after batting for an astonishing 970 minutes. Pakistan declared at 657 for eight and saved the match. What seemed like certain defeat ended in a draw, entirely because of Hanif Mohammad.
Career That Shaped Pakistan Cricket
Hanif Mohammad played international cricket for Pakistan for 17 years. He featured in 55 Test matches, including Pakistan’s first-ever Test against India in 1952. Across his career, he scored 3,915 Test runs at an average of 43.98.
Cricket ran in his family, with several relatives playing for Pakistan in later years. Yet, the legacy Hanif built as Pakistan’s original batting hero remains unmatched.
Legacy That Lives Forever
Hanif Mohammad was not just a great batter; he was the backbone of Pakistan cricket in its formative years. Long before modern stars and big victories, he gave fans belief and pride.
