Pak cricket great Hanif Mohammad hospitalized

Former Pakistan cricketer Hanif Mohammad, who was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago, has been hospitalised after a two-week-long struggle with breathing problems and congestion.

Reflecting on the news, Hanif's son Shoaib revealed that his father underwent a surgery in London after being diagnosed with cancer, which somehow helped in bringing the disease under control.

Pointing out that cancer spreads with time, Shoaib revealed that he had sent the latest biopsy to the doctor in London who observed chemotherapy would not be an effective option for further treatment, the Dawn reported.

Shoaib, who is a Pakistan International Airlines employee, said the latest and effective treatment are expensive and, therefore, he' would seek the government's help or sports' funds for his father's recovery.

81-year-old Hanif made 55 Test appearances for Pakistan between 1952-53 and 1969-70, having averaged a fine 43.98 including twelve centuries.

Hanif's magnificent moment of his career came in 1967 when he smashed a blistering knock of 337 during his side's drawn Test match against West Indies at Bridgetown. The innings is still regarded as one of the epic knocks in cricket history.

It was also the only Test match that saw a triple century until it was equalled by former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum against India in 2014.

Hanif also bagged Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in 1968. He was also named among the inaugural batch of 55 inductees into the ICC's Hall of Fame in January 209.