KARACHI, 15 March 2006 — Hanif Muhammad, Pakistan’s legendary opening batsman and a very reliable wicketkeeper a.k.a “Little Master” is seriously ill and hospitalized after being bedridden for several days with a knee problem.

Hanif, 71, arguably the most famous of the illustrious Muhammad Brothers, had undergone both knee joint aspiration surgery after a paralysis attack, yet he puts up a brave smile and says, “I could not put any weight on my legs at all. I suffered acute pain in the knees and the lower body had stopped functioning.

“I am feeling more comfortable (after the right knee joint aspiration) as there is better movement as compared to Friday when I couldn’t feel any sensation in the legs.”

Hanif was hospitalized in a critical condition on March 7 after his knees, that were operated nearly 44 years ago, were locked and temporarily paralyzed his lower half of the body.

He has a long history of being troubled by chronic keen problems for his playing days, had complained of excruciating pain, and was bedridden for many days.

Born on Dec. 21, 1934 in Junagadh, Gujarat, India he was the first star of Pakistan cricket. Hanif played the longest innings in Test history — his 970-minute 337 against West Indies in Bridgetown in 1957-58 — then followed it a year later with the highest first-class innings to that point, 499 run out.

With such feats, broadcast on radio, he turned cricket in Pakistan from the preserve of the Lahore educated elite into the mass sport it is today.

Although famous for his immaculate defense and never hitting the ball in the air, Hanif could also attack, and was probably the originator of the reverse-sweep. His versatility extended to captaining and keeping wicket, and bowling right- and left-handed in Test cricket. But in addition to being the jack of all trades, he was the master of one.

Hanif, affectionately known in cricketing circles as the “Little Master”, is the greatest of a long line of Mohammad Brothers, who went on to represent Pakistan. He started his Test debut against India at Delhi.

Known for his technique and concentration, Hanif stood out as for his temperament and went on to score the first triple century by a Pakistani in Test cricket. He batted for 970 minutes. He was described as one of the finest batsman of his era in Pakistan cricket history and was named the Wisdom Cricketer of the Year in 1968. His cricketing career spanning 17 years ended prematurely in 1969.

His son, Shoaib, also had cricket in his blood, and represented Pakistan. He showed the same concentration and temperament his father has. Today, Hanif holds a senior position at Pakistan International Airlines, and serves as a regular commentator, during home series matches.

“The left (knee) is still swollen and the scans have revealed minor broken pieces inside. But there will be no minor or major surgery except little denting,” said Hanif, adding, “his surgeon Wajid Ali believes that the pain will remain in the left knee even after the joint aspiration. This is something that I will probably have to live with.”

Hanif, who was rushed to the hospital on March 7, underwent a series of tests for a suspect “stroke”. Dr Wajid Ali, a leading orthopedic surgeon, said Hanif was an arthritic patient and the knees were possibly locked because of spasm or strain in lower back.

Doctors carried out a surgery on both his knees to remove fluid and bone pieces, which caused the problem.

Hanif, who represented Pakistan in 55 Tests, also had the record for batting highest first-class innings of 499 runs in 1958-59. Brian Lara, the great West Indies batsman, surpassed it by scoring 501 in 1994.

“The operation has been successful and I am very satisfied now,” said Hanif and adding, “I am grateful for the get-well messages I have got and the doctors have been very good to me.”

Hanif, who also skippered Pakistan in Test cricket, scored 3,915 runs at an average of 43.98 with 12 centuries.