Pakistan's Hanif Mohammad, the original 'Little Master', passes away at 81 after prolonged illness

New Delhi: Hanif Mohammad, former Pakistani batsman, passed away on Thursday after prolonged illness.

The 81-year-old was battling with cancer for quite some time and had been undergoing treatment for the same in Karachi's Aga Khan hospital.

Pakistani cricketers and journalists confirmed the news on Twitter.

Rest In Peace Little Master. The Legendary batsmen Hanif Mohammad will be missed but never forgotten.My Love to Shoaib & family at this time

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) August 11, 2016

Spokesman of Aga Khan Hospital confirms that legend Cricketer Hanif Mohammad has passed away. #RIP

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) August 11, 2016

Hanif was diagnosed with the cancer in the year 2013, after which he received treatment in London.

One of the country's finest batsmen, he still holds the record for highest score (337) in an innings by a Pakistani batsman, followed by Inzamam-ul-Haq (329) and Younus Khan (313).

He was also named as Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1968.

Earlier this afternoon, Hanif was declared dead by several media reports, which proved to be wrong as he regained his heart beat after a gap of six minutes.

His son however later clarified that it was a miscommunication and he wasn't dead. However, hours after that news, the cricketer was no more.