Fazal Mahmood

Fazal Mahmood was a Pakistani international cricketer who played 34 Test matches for his country. He became the first Pakistani to pass 100 wickets, reaching this milestone during his 22nd match. Throughout his career, he claimed 139 wickets at a bowling average of 24.70.

Early life and education

Born in Lahore on 18 February 1927, Fazal attended Islamia College from the age of 13. His father, Ghulam Hussain, served as a professor of economics at the college. He also acted as the president of the college cricket club. Because his father joined an independence movement under Ubaidullah Sindhi, he implemented a strict training regimen for his son. Fazal adhered to a routine that required waking at 4:30 am to walk and run five miles each day. This demanding schedule lasted for seven years.

He made the college first team during his second year of study. At age 15, he set a tournament record by taking 5/13 in an inter-college final.

Career

Fazal made his first-class debut for Northern India in March 1944 at the age of 17. During a Ranji Trophy match against Southern Punjab, he scored 38 not out and took three wickets. He claimed his maiden first-class wicket by dismissing the Indian Test all-rounder Lala Amarnath. In his second appearance, a semi-final against Western India, he recorded eight wickets including 6/65 in the first innings.

He scored his only first-class century during the 1946–47 season while playing for North Zone. He finished with exactly 100 not out from the number eight position. Although he was selected for India's 1947–48 tour of Australia, he withdrew from the squad following the independence of Pakistan. As a devout Muslim, he chose to represent the new nation instead.

Fazal played for Punjab in the first maiden first-class match in Pakistan on 27 December 1947. He took six wickets and scored 60 runs during this innings victory against Sind. During the 1948–49 season, he was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in Ceylon with 20 wickets. His performances helped the nation gain Test status on 28 July 1952.

He made his Test debut in October 1952 against India in Delhi. In the second Test at Lucknow, he took 5/52 and 7/42 to help Pakistan win by an innings. These match figures of 12/94 remain the best achieved by a Pakistani bowler away from home. During the 1954 tour of England, he played a leading role in the victory at The Oval. He recorded match figures of 12/99, which included 6/46 in the second innings.

Fazal succeeded Abdul Kardar as captain and led the national team in 10 matches between 1959 and 1961. Pakistan won two Tests and lost two matches under his leadership. He retired from Test and first-class cricket following the 1962 tour of England. He had been called up to that squad to replace injured opening bowlers.

Personal life

Fazal worked as a police officer during his life. He was born in Lahore to Ghulam Hussain, a professor of economics.

Awards and recognition

He received the Hilal-i-Imtiaz and the Pride of Performance. He was also named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year.