The original Little Master and Pakistan cricket legend Hanif Mohammad is fighting for his life after he faced respiratory complications during his ongoing treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital, Karachi.

The former batting legend, who is suffering from lung cancer, was admitted to the hospital on July 31 after a two-week-long struggle with breathing problems and congestion, reports Dawn.com

After being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013, Hanif underwent surgery in London which helped bring it under control, Shoaib said. "But the cancer spread with time."

"We sent the latest biopsy to our doctor in London and he said that chemotherapy will not be an effective option for further treatment."

"The latest and effective treatment for this problem costs double the amount of the previous treatment and we will need the help of the government — probably from sports funds to help his (Hanif's) recovery," he said.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif on July 31 announced that the federal government would bear all expenses of Hanif Muhammad’s medical treatment.

Born on Dec 21, 1934 in Junagarh, Hanif played 55 Test matches for Pakistan between 1952-53 and 1969-70 and averaged a fine 43.98 comprising twelve hundreds.

At his peak, Hanif was considered one of the best batsmen in the world.

In January 2009, Hanif was named along with two other Pakistani players — Imran Khan and Javed Miandad — among the inaugural batch of 55 inductees into the ICC’s Hall of Fame.