Former Pakistan cricket captain Hanif Mohammad, who was dubbed "Little Master" years before the sobriquet was given to India's Sachin Tendulkar, has died at the age of 81, world cricket's governing body said on Thursday.

Hanif, who was renowned for his immaculate defensive technique, played in Pakistan's first ever Test match and scored 3,915 runs in 55 Tests.

He is best known for playing the longest innings in Test cricket. In 1958, he batted for 970 minutes to make 337 runs against West Indies in Bridgetown to save the test for Pakistan who were following on.

Hanif surpassed Donald Bradman's record for the highest first class innings, scoring 499 for Karachi against Bahawalpur in January 1959 -- a record which West Indian Brian Lara broke by scoring 501 not out for Warwickshire county against Durham in 1994.

Mohammad died while under treatment at the private Aga Khan hospital after suffering multiple breathing and liver problems, having undergone an operation for liver cancer three years ago.

Mohammad's three brothers -- Wazir, Mushtaq and Sadiq, as well as his son Shoaib -- also played for Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board and former Pakistan players expressed their condolences.

"We are saddened by the death of (the) legendary Hanif and it's a great loss to world cricket in general and Pakistan cricket in particular as he was an icon who served the country in its early years," said a PCB message.

What They Said

He was a source of inspiration for me and I am forever grateful to him for his help and encouragement. He was a cricketing genius and helped every Pakistani batter during his poor form.

-Zahir Abbas

Sad day for Pakistan one of the greats Hanif Mohammad passed away.

-Ian Botham

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

We lost our #Hero #HanifMohammad today. May ALLAH rest his soul in peace. You will always stay in our hearts. 

-Waqar Younis

The cricketing legend #HanifMohammad was always positive and supportive. Have fond memories of meeting him in 2005. RIP

-Sachin Tendulkar