The last surviving member of Pakistan’s first Test XI, Waqar Hasan died at the age of 87 on February 10. Hasan did not have a memorable Test career but he featured in the first ever Test team of Pakistan that came to India and player in New Delhi in October 1952.
He scored 1071 runs in 21 Tests for Pakistan and in 99 first-class matches he accumulated 4741 runs at an average of 35.64 with eight hundreds. His debut Test saw him scoring just eight and five runs in and his side lost by an innings and 70 runs. But hwe made his presence felt in the third Test in Mumbai when he scored half centuries in each innings. Eventually he finished as Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in the five-match series, with 357 runs from eight innings at 44.63. hasan was involved in a 308-run partnership with Imtiaz Ahmed in his second home Test in Lahore against New Zealand in 1955-56.
He also served Pakistan’s national selector after retirement from international cricket. The Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Ehsan Mani said, “It is a sad day for Pakistan cricket as today we have lost our last hero who put us on the world cricket map in 1952. He was from that elite group cricketers that laid the foundation of what turned into a proud cricket nation. I had the privilege of knowing him personally and I have nothing but utmost respect for Waqar.”
Mani further opined that Hasan was a great cricket administrator as well. “Waqar was not only an outstanding cricketer but a thorough gentleman who set very high standards. He was an articulate and smart cricket administrator who contributed in Pakistan with his wisdom and progressive approach and vision. On behalf of the PCB, I offer my deepest condolences to Waqar Hasan’s family and friends, and assure them that Waqar will always be remembered for the immense contribution he made to Pakistan cricket.”