KARACHI: Pakistan former captain Zaheer Abbas on Thursday expressed grief over the sad demise of legendary batsman Hanif Mohammad.

Talking to DawnNews, the former International Cricket Council (ICC) president said: "Hanif Mohammad was the greatest cricketer Pakistan has ever produced and his performances will be remembered for times to come."

Read: Legendary batsman Hanif Mohammad dies at 81

"He was the source of inspiration for me and I am forever grateful to him for his help and encouragement during my career."

The Asian Bradman further said, "Hanif used to say that I can break his records," adding that the batting great was the first person to suggest him to bat at one-down position during Pakistan's tour of England in 1971.

"He was a cricketing genius and helped every Pakistani batter when during his poor form."

Such was his stature that cricketers used to feel proud just by standing along him, added Abbas, who scored 108 first-class centuries.

"His 337-run knock against West Indies will remain to be one of the greatest knocks in cricket's history," Abbas concluded.