A torchbearer is defined as an individual who provides inspiration. If there is one cricketer

who played an inspirational role in Pakistan’s starting years in Test cricket, it was Fazal

Mahmood. Mahmood was lethal on matting wickets and he was a bowler who could bowl a

long spell and carry the attack single-handedly on his shoulders.

Born in Lahore, Mahmood made an impact in the college team. In the 1944-45 season,

playing for North Zone in the quadrangular tournament, Mahmood picked up 9/83 and he

was almost on the verge of playing for India. However, during the selection for the tour

of England, despite the backing of Indian skipper Nawab of Pataudi, the selectors felt that

Mahmood was too young and he was dropped. Before India’s inaugural series against

Australia, partition occurred and Mahmood chose to play for Pakistan.

During the series in 1951/52, Pakistan took on an MCC side at Karachi. On a matting wicket,

Mahmood exploited the conditions well and snapped up 6/40 give Pakistan victory. This win

had broader significance for Pakistan were granted Test status on 28

their first ever Test series against India in 1952 and Mahmood made an immediate impact.

On a jute matting wicket in Lucknow, Mahmood proved to be unplayable as he snapped up

12 wickets in the match, including 7/42 to give Pakistan a famous victory in only their second

Test.

Greater glory beckoned for Mahmood during Pakistan’s inaugural tour to England in 1954.

During the third and final Test at the Oval, Mahmood had already destroyed the England

batting with 6/53 in the first innings. On a pitch that had ample assistance for the bowlers,

England seemed to have the upper hand when they were 109/2, chasing 168 runs for victory.

However, Mahmood cleaned up the middle order and ushered in a collapse as England lost

the last eight wickets for 34 runs to give Pakistan victory.

On matting wickets in the sub-continent, Mahmood was brilliance personified. Blessed with

immense stamina and the ability seam the ball both ways, Mahmood gave some wonderful

performances which cemented his legacy.

During Australia’s first ever Test against Pakistan in Karachi, Mahmood decimated Australia

with a career best match haul of 13/114. In the first innings, his 6/34 bundled Australia out

for just 80. His 7/80 in the second innings was an exhibition of how to bowl on a matting

wicket as Pakistan secured victory by nine wickets. During Pakistan’s tour to the West Indies

in 1958, Mahmood carried a huge workload and he sent down a total of 320 overs in the five

Test series, a remarkable achievement. He performed much better when West Indies arrived

in Pakistan. In the second Test at Dhaka, Mahmood snapped up 12/100 to help Pakistan

square the series.

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In his 22

wickets. He also briefly captained the Pakistan side but with limited success. He played his

final Test against England at the Oval in 1962. He groomed several Hockey players during

his years with the Police Force after he retired from cricket. While working as a director of a

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July 1952. They played

Test, Mahmood became the first Pakistan player to reach the landmark of 100

textile firm, Mahmood suffered a heart attack and he died in his office in Lahore in 2005 at

the age of 78. Fazal Mahmood’s statistics speak of the impact that he had on Pakistan cricket

during their formative years. His legacy is probably the main reason why Pakistan continues

to produce such wonderful players.

FUN FACTS

Fazal Mahmood joined the Pakistan Police Service as Inspector in 1947. He was promoted to

Deputy Superintendent in 1952 and Deputy Inspector General in 1976.

Fazal Mahmood’s good looks were also put to use. He is often known as Pakistan’s

Brylcreem Boy, for he featured in a Brylcreem ad at that time.