As news of Pakistan legend cricketer Hanif Mohammad's demise spread, the cricket community reacted with sadness and grief and tributes started pouring in on Twitter
RIP Little Master! Cricketers mourn Pakistani legend Hanif Mohammad's death
Former Pakistan captain and ICC Hall of Famer Hanif Mohammad passed away at a Karachi hospital on Thursday at the age of 81 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer.
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Known as Asian Bradman, Hanif was suffering from lung cancer for which he underwent surgery in London in 2013.
In a statement, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said Hanif was one of the top cricketers of all-time and an idol for many batsmen.
"It's sad to hear of Hanif's death and I'd like to extend my condolences and those of everyone here at the ICC to Hanif's family, which counts so many cricketers in its number. Hanif took batting to great heights and many batsmen drew inspiration from him," Richardson said in a statement.
"His contribution to the game has been enormous and one can only imagine the kind of impact his batting had on others over the years. Hanif's triple-century against the West Indies was a legendary innings and unsurprisingly he was one of the original inductees into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame," Richardson said.
Hanif's short stature and immaculate technique earned him the sobriquet of 'Little Master' much before India batsmen Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar were referred to by the same nickname.
As news of Hanif's demise spread, the cricket community reacted with sadness and grief and tributes started pouring in. Many former greats described him as a personality who had had a profound influence on the Pakistan's cricket.
HERE ARE SOME OF THEM:
Rest In Peace Little Master. The Legendary batsmen Hanif Mohammad will be missed but never forgotten.My Love to Shoaib & family at this time
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) August 11, 2016
The cricketing legend #HanifMohammad was always positive and supportive. Have fond memories of meeting him in 2005. RIP
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 11, 2016
My condolences on passing away of one of d icons of d game Hanif Mohammad.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 11, 2016
You will continue to live in many hearts. pic.twitter.com/zSchL7DwJ5
The cricketing world mourns the loss of the legendary Pakistan batsman Hanif Mohammad at the age of 81 pic.twitter.com/81l7x5hBXY
— ICC (@ICC) August 11, 2016
Deeply grieved on demise of legendary cricketer Hanif Mohammad .Pakistan lost its another icon!
— Abdul Razzaq (@RazzaqOfficial) August 11, 2016
May his soul rest in peace !#Legend ðu00c2u009fu00c2u0098¢
Pakistan's first batting legend, an inspiration for millions. RIP #HanifMohammad May Allah grant him highest place in heaven
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) August 11, 2016
We lost our our #Hero #HanifMohammad today. May ALLAH rest his soul in peace.Sir you will always stay in our Hearts.We will miss you dearly.
— waqar younis (@waqyounis99) August 11, 2016
My condolences go out to the family of the legendary #HanifMohammad! A great batsman, he will always be remembered fondly. RIP sir
— Mohammad Kaif (@KaifSays) August 11, 2016