Playing in Karachi on a pitch that took spin from the start, Nazir picked up 7 for 99 in his very first innings. In addition, he scored a handy, unbeaten 29 with the bat, and was not out on 17 in the second innings. The Test was drawn but proved significant, being the great Hanif Mohammad’s last Test and his younger brother Sadiq’s first.

“On behalf of PCB, I express my condolences and sorrow on the demise of our former Test cricketer Mohammad Nazir,” said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. “We extend our deepest condolences and share the grief of his friends and family. His contribution to Pakistan cricket will always be remembered.”

Despite being a consistent performer at national level, Nazir played only one more Test after his debut series until November 1980, when he was selected to play in a home series against the West Indies. It was another highlight; he dismissed Viv Richards three times in the series, including bowling twice. But in the second Test, in Faisalabad, Nazir was hit for three consecutive sixes in one over by Sylvester Clarke. The 22 he conceded in that over was a Test record at the time.

Despite taking 16 wickets in the four Tests against the West Indies, Nazir was dropped again and did not return until almost three years later, in a series in India. In between, he continued to take wickets in domestic cricket: 86 in 1981–82 and 70 the following year.

Nazir continued on the domestic circuit thereafter as he had always been before: a prolific wicket-taker. Unusually, he was a one-team player, playing for Pakistan Railways throughout. He also looked quite fit, taking 85 wickets in the 1985-86 season when he was on the verge of turning 40. Nazir ended up with 829 first-class wickets, at an enviable average of 19.26.

He became an international and domestic umpire soon after he retired, standing in five Tests and 15 ODIs.