Special Correspondent
Cricket enthusiasts from across the country have called on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to pay tribute to legendary former captain Mushtaq Mohammad on his 82nd birthday, falling on November 22, by organising a special ceremony at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Mushtaq, who is currently in Pakistan and staying with his brother Sadiq Mohammad in Karachi, is scheduled to return to England on December 22. Fans believe this is the ideal opportunity for the PCB to celebrate one of the most influential figures in Pakistan’s cricketing history and to set a new precedent for honouring national icons.
Regarded as the pioneer of the reverse sweep and often described as the Godfather of modern batting, Mushtaq Mohammad’s career stretched over three decades. Born on November 22, 1943, in Junagadh, India, he faced a tumultuous childhood in the aftermath of Partition. His early years included time spent at a Hindu temple in Karachi and celebrating religious festivals at a Christian school—experiences that shaped his resilience long before he made his mark on the cricket field.
Mushtaq rose to prominence as a member of the illustrious Mohammad brothers, leaving an unforgettable mark on world cricket. Among his numerous achievements, he famously led Pakistan to a historic 2–0 Test series win over India in 1978, including a commanding victory in the Lahore Test on November 1. He still holds global records as the youngest player to feature in a First-Class match (at 13) and the youngest to play Test cricket (at 17).
As captain, Mushtaq led Pakistan in 19 Test matches, securing 8 wins, 4 losses, and 7 draws, while his tenure in ODIs included 10 games, splitting them evenly with 5 wins and 5 defeats.
Former sports organizer Sohail Javed Butt highlighted Mushtaq’s profound impact on shaping Pakistan’s cricketing identity, emphasizing that his leadership and innovative batting continue to inspire generations. Fans now hope PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will extend an official invitation to Mushtaq at Rawalpindi, giving today’s young cricket followers a chance to recognise and celebrate a true legend of Pakistan cricket.
