a right-handed middle-order batsman, maqsood was a hard hitter of the ball and is one of the test cricketers whose highest score was 99, which he made in the third test against india in 1954–55. though a brilliant batsman, his performance in test matches was rather irregular because of his carefree attitude. in england in 1952 he became the first pakistani to play as a professional cricketer. the english press dubbed him "merry max".