Famous Pakistani Cricketers

Imran Khan is a Pakistani politician and former cricketer who served as the 22nd prime minister of Pakistan from August 2018 until April 2022. He is the founder and former chairman of the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from 1996 to 2023. Khan was the captain of the Pakistan national cricket team, leading them to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. As prime minister, he implemented economic policies to address financial crises, launched initiatives for social welfare and environmental conservation, and faced political controversies and legal challenges.

Wasim Akram is a Pakistani cricket commentator, coach, and former cricketer known as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, often revered as The Sultan of Swing. He led Pakistan to the finals of the 1999 Cricket World Cup and was part of the winning squad in 1992. Akram holds the world record for most wickets in List A cricket and is second in ODI wickets. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and has served as a coach and advisor for various teams and leagues.

Babar Azam is a professional cricketer from Pakistan known for his exceptional batting skills. He made his debut in 2015 and quickly rose to prominence as a key player in the national team. Babar Azam has represented Pakistan in all three formats of the game and has consistently performed well, earning accolades for his impressive technique and ability to score runs under pressure. He has also captained the Pakistan national team, showcasing his leadership qualities on the field. Babar Azam is regarded as one of the best batsmen in modern cricket.

Waqar Younis Maitla is a renowned Pakistani cricket coach, commentator, and former cricketer. As a right-arm fast bowler, he is considered one of the greatest in cricket history. He captained the Pakistan national cricket team and holds records for being the youngest Pakistani Test captain and the fourth youngest Test captain globally. With an impressive career spanning from 1989 to 2003, Younis excelled in both Test and One Day International matches, amassing numerous wickets. His expertise in reverse swing bowling, along with partner Wasim Akram, formed a formidable bowling attack. Younis served as the head coach of the Pakistani cricket team and worked with various teams as a bowling coach, showcasing his dedication to the sport.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, also known as Inzi, is a former Pakistan cricketer and captain of the national team, known for his exceptional batting skills and leadership. He has been a prominent figure in Pakistani cricket, serving as the chief selector at various points. Inzamam played a key role in Pakistan's 1992 Cricket World Cup victory and had a successful career as a middle-order batsman in both Test and ODI formats. He captained the national team and later participated in the Indian Cricket League as a captain. Inzamam is also noted for his involvement with the Tablighi Jamaat organization.

Javed Miandad is a renowned Pakistani cricket coach, commentator, and former cricketer known for his unconventional captaincy and batting style. He played for Pakistan in Tests and ODIs from 1975 to 1996, earning accolades for his unique technique and control. Miandad was ranked among the best cricketers of all time by ESPN Legends of Cricket and is celebrated for his historic last-ball six against India in 1986 and his role in Pakistan's 1992 ICC World Cup victory. Post-retirement, he held key positions in the Pakistan Cricket Board and had multiple coaching stints with the national team. Miandad was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.

Shoaib Akhtar is a Pakistani former international cricketer known as the "Rawalpindi Express" for his incredible speed as a bowler. He made his Test debut in 1997 and later played in One Day Internationals. Akhtar holds the record for the fastest delivery in cricket history at 161.3 kmph. After retiring, he transitioned into a career as a commentator and started a successful YouTube channel where he provides reviews on international and league matches, focusing on Pakistani cricket.

Shaheen Shah Afridi is a prominent Pakistani international cricketer known for his exceptional skills as a fast bowler. He has been a key player in the Pakistan national cricket team, previously serving as captain in the T20I format. Afridi has made significant contributions to the sport, playing a crucial role in Lahore Qalandars' victories in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) seasons of 2022 and 2023. He has also received prestigious accolades, such as being the first Pakistani to win the Garfield Sobers Trophy, highlighting his prowess and impact in the world of cricket.

Younis Khan is a highly accomplished Pakistani cricket coach and former cricketer known for his exceptional skills as a middle-order batsman. He has captained the Pakistan national cricket team across all formats and holds numerous records in Test cricket, including scoring centuries in all 11 countries hosting Test matches. Younis has achieved significant milestones such as leading Pakistan to victory in the 2009 World Twenty20 and becoming the first Pakistani to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket. He retired from international cricket in 2017 after a successful and illustrious career.

Misbah-ul-Haq is a former Pakistani cricket coach and international cricketer who captained Pakistan in all formats. He also served as the head coach and chief selector of the Pakistan national team. Known for his composure and ability to play aggressively, Misbah achieved notable feats such as leading Pakistan to victory in the 2012 Asia Cup and being part of the team that won the 2009 ICC World Twenty20. He holds records for fastest Test fifty and century, as well as most career ODI runs without a century. Misbah also holds an MBA in Human Resource Management.

Azhar Ali is a former Pakistani international cricketer who served as the captain of the ODI and test side of the national team. Known for his agile batting skills and occasional leg-break bowling, he made his Test debut in 2010 and achieved several milestones in his career, including becoming the first triple centurion in a Day and Night Test match. He played a crucial role in Pakistan's victory at the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Ali has represented various domestic teams and announced his retirement from international cricket in 2018.

Sarfaraz Ahmed is a Pakistani cricketer known for his role as a wicketkeeper-batsman and former captain of the Pakistan national cricket team in all formats. He has also led Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League. Sarfaraz achieved significant victories for Pakistan, including winning the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2006 Under-19 Cricket World Cup as a captain. He has captained Pakistan in various formats and received accolades such as the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Sarfaraz has been a central figure in Pakistan cricket, reaching milestones like playing his 100th ODI match.

Zaheer Abbas, also known as Syed Zaheer Abbas Kirmani PP, is a former Pakistani cricketer renowned for his exceptional batting skills. He gained fame for being one of the few cricketers to wear spectacles on the field. In 1982/1983, he achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first player to score three consecutive centuries in one-day internationals. Known as 'the Asian Bradman', Abbas is widely considered as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. His outstanding contributions to the sport were recognized when he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in August 2020.

Saqlain Mushtaq is a Pakistani cricket coach and former international cricketer known for pioneering the "doosra" delivery. He served as the head coach of the Pakistani national cricket team from 2021 to 2022. Saqlain achieved milestones as the fastest bowler to reach 200 and 250 wickets in ODIs. He made history by taking Pakistan's first hat-trick in a Cricket World Cup match in 1999. With 208 Test and 288 ODI wickets, he also scored a Test century against New Zealand in 2001. Saqlain held the record for being the fastest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets until 2016.

Umar Akmal is a Pakistani cricketer known for his performances in various formats of the game. He made his international debut in 2009 and played for the Pakistan national cricket team until 2019. Akmal has showcased his skills as a right-handed batsman and part-time spinner, also serving as a wicketkeeper for the team in several ODIs. Despite facing bans and suspensions due to breaches in the Anti-Corruption code, he has continued to play cricket, representing different domestic and franchise teams worldwide.

Kamran Akmal is a former Pakistani cricketer who excelled as a right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper. He began his international career in 2002 and was part of the Pakistan team that secured victory in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20. Following his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2023, Akmal transitioned into cricket administration and coaching. With a wealth of experience and expertise, he continues to contribute to the sport by sharing his knowledge and skills with aspiring cricketers.

Yasir Shah is a prominent cricketer from Pakistan known for his exceptional bowling skills. He holds the record for being the joint-second fastest bowler in Test cricket to reach 100 wickets and the fastest to achieve 200 wickets, surpassing the previous record set by an Australian player. Shah made his Test debut in 2014 and has achieved various milestones in his career, including becoming the fastest Pakistani bowler to claim 50 Test wickets. Despite facing a ban for three months in 2015, Shah bounced back to set new records in Test cricket.

Abdul Razzaq is a Pakistani cricket coach and former cricketer who excelled in all formats of the game. Renowned for his skills as an all-rounder, he was a right-arm fast-medium bowler and a right-handed batsman. Razzaq made his international debut in 1996 and went on to represent Pakistan in 265 ODIs and 46 Tests. He played a crucial role in Pakistan's success at the ICC World Twenty20 2009 and the 1999 Cricket World Cup. After retiring in 2013, he returned to domestic cricket as a player and coach.

Mohammad Asif is a former Pakistani cricketer known for playing for the national team from 2005 to 2010. He made his Test debut against Australia in 2005 and was ranked as the second leading Test bowler in 2010. Asif faced various controversies including testing positive for Nandrolone in 2006, being detained in Dubai for suspected drug possession in 2008, and being involved in a spot-fixing scandal in 2011. Despite these setbacks, he was allowed to resume playing cricket in 2015 after a ban.

Mohammad Yousuf, formerly known as Yousuf Youhana, is a Pakistani cricket coach and former cricketer. He played all three formats of the game and was one of the few Christians to represent Pakistan before converting to Islam. Yousuf holds the world record for the most runs scored in a year in tests. He was a key player in the Pakistan squad that finished as runners-up in the 1999 Cricket World Cup. However, his career was marred by a ban imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board due to disciplinary issues within the team.

Shahid Afridi is a former Pakistani cricketer known for his explosive performances as an all-rounder. He made a significant impact in international cricket, setting records like the fastest century in ODI history. Throughout his career, Afridi served as captain of the Pakistan national team in various formats, leading them to important victories and tournaments. He also contributed off the field through his charity work, particularly in promoting education, healthcare, and humanitarian causes. Afridi's dedication to both cricket and philanthropy has made him a respected figure in the sports world.

Hanif Mohammad was a renowned Pakistani cricketer who played 55 Test matches for Pakistan between 1952 and 1970. He was known for his exceptional batting skills, averaging 43.98 with twelve centuries to his name. Despite limited Test cricket opportunities for Pakistan during his time, he was regarded as one of the best batsmen globally. Hanif was honored as the original Little Master and was the first Pakistani to score a triple hundred in a Test match, leaving a lasting legacy in the cricketing world.

Wahab Riaz is a former Pakistani cricketer known for his left-arm fast bowling and right-handed batting skills. He achieved global recognition for his outstanding performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Riaz has consistently bowled at high speeds, reaching up to 96 miles per hour. He has been awarded a central contract by the Pakistan Cricket Board and has represented Pakistan in various formats of the game. Riaz has also held positions such as chief selector of the Pakistan national cricket team and advisor to the chief minister of Punjab for sports and youth affairs.

Shoaib Malik is a Pakistani cricketer known for his contributions to the Pakistan national cricket team. He has represented Pakistan in both One-Day Internationals and Test matches, making his debuts in 1999 and 2001 respectively. Malik has had a successful career in cricket, having served as the captain of the national team from 2007 to 2009. He continues to showcase his skills and experience by playing for Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), further solidifying his reputation as a talented and seasoned player.

Saeed Anwar is a renowned former Pakistani cricketer known for his exceptional skills as an opening batsman and occasional bowler. He played international cricket from 1989 to 2003, earning a reputation as one of Pakistan's greatest opening batsmen. Anwar achieved numerous milestones, including scoring twenty centuries in ODIs and showcasing remarkable performances in Test matches. His stylish batting style, impeccable shot placement, and memorable innings, such as his 194-run knock against India in 1997, are celebrated by cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Anwar's illustrious career also saw him captain Pakistan in both Tests and ODIs before his retirement in 2003.

Mohammad Sami is a Pakistani cricket coach and former cricketer with an illustrious career. He represented the Pakistan national cricket team from 2001 to 2016, showcasing his skills as a talented fast bowler. Throughout his career, Sami displayed exceptional bowling prowess and contributed significantly to Pakistan's cricketing success. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, sharing his expertise and experience to nurture the next generation of cricketers, further solidifying his legacy in the world of cricket.

Ramiz Hasan Raja is a prominent figure in Pakistani cricket, having had a successful career as a cricketer, sporadically captaining the national team during the 1980s and 1990s. He was part of the legendary Pakistani squad that clinched the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Transitioning into a cricket commentator and YouTuber, Raja continues to contribute to the sport through his insights and analysis. Additionally, he has served as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, showcasing his leadership and administrative capabilities in the cricketing realm.

Mohammad Amir is a Pakistani cricketer known for his left-arm fast bowling and left-handed batting. He made his debut in 2008 and has represented Pakistan in various international tournaments, including the ICC World Twenty20 and the ICC Champions Trophy. In 2010, he faced a ban for spot-fixing but later returned to domestic cricket. Amir has been a key player for Pakistan, contributing significantly to their victories. Despite announcing retirements from international cricket on multiple occasions, he has shown a strong commitment to the sport, making comebacks to represent his country.

Mohammad Irfan is a Pakistani cricketer renowned for his exceptional height of 7'1". He has represented Pakistan in Test, ODI, and T20 cricket matches, making him the tallest player in first-class and international cricket. Known for his impressive bowling skills, Irfan has made a significant impact in the cricket world with his unique physical attributes. His towering presence on the field, coupled with his talent and determination, has earned him a respected place in the cricketing community.

Wasim Hasan Raja was a multi-talented individual involved in various aspects of cricket. He had a successful career as a cricketer, playing in numerous Test matches and One Day Internationals for the Pakistani national team. In addition to his playing career, he also worked as a schoolteacher, match referee, and cricket coach. Raja's contributions to the sport extended beyond his playing days, as he continued to be involved in cricket through coaching and officiating roles.

Muhammad Moin Khan is a prominent figure in Pakistani cricket as an administrator, coach, and former cricketer. He had a successful career as a wicket-keeper-batsman, representing Pakistan from 1990 to 2004. Khan played a key role in Pakistan's victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup and captained the team to win the 2000 Asia Cup. Known for his exceptional skills, he achieved significant milestones such as taking over 100 catches in Test cricket and over 200 catches in ODI cricket. Additionally, he is credited with introducing the term "doosra" for Saqlain Mushtaq's mystery delivery.

Ahmad Shehzad is a successful Pakistani cricketer known for his skills as an opening batsman. He made his international debut in One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals in 2009. Shehzad played a crucial role in Pakistan's victory at the 2009 ICC World Twenty20. In the 2014 T20 World Cup, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Pakistani to score a century in a T20 World Cup match. Shehzad's talent and contributions to the national team have solidified his reputation as a valuable player in the world of cricket.

Mohsin Hasan Khan is a versatile figure in Pakistani cricket, serving as a coach, actor, and former cricketer. Known for his skills as an opening batsman, he participated in a total of 48 Test matches and 75 One Day Internationals during his playing career from 1977 to 1986. With a wealth of experience on the field, he has transitioned into coaching, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of cricketers. Additionally, his foray into acting showcases his diverse talents beyond the realm of sports.

Danish Kaneria is a former Pakistani cricketer known for his right-arm leg spin bowling skills. He played 61 Test matches and 18 ODIs for Pakistan, taking a total of 276 wickets. Kaneria was the second Hindu and seventh non-Muslim to represent Pakistan in international cricket. He faced a lifetime ban from the ECB due to spot-fixing allegations, which he appealed but was rejected. Kaneria achieved notable bowling performances in Test cricket, including taking 15 five-wicket hauls and 10 wickets in a match twice.

Mohammad Hafeez is a former Pakistani cricketer turned coach known for his significant contributions in international cricket. He played a pivotal role in Pakistan's victory at the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy and showcased his talent as a top-order batsman. Hafeez excelled in Test, T20, and limited-overs formats, representing various teams including Pakistan, Lahore, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Nicknamed "The Professor," he displayed exceptional skills, retiring from Test cricket to focus on T20 leagues where he emerged as a leading run-scorer in 2020.

Salman Butt is a former Pakistani cricketer and captain known for his role in the Pakistan national cricket team from 2003 to 2010. He was a left-handed opening batsman in Test and ODI formats, showcasing a strong command in the offside area. Butt's standout performance includes scoring 5 ODI centuries against India. However, his career was marred by a spot-fixing scandal in 2010, which led to his ban from cricket for ten years. After serving a prison sentence, he was allowed to return to cricket in 2015.

Saeed Ajmal is a former Pakistani cricketer known for his right-arm off-spin bowling and right-handed batting. He represented various domestic teams in Pakistan and played internationally for his country, making his debut in 2008. Ajmal achieved top rankings in ODIs and T20Is, and became the quickest Pakistani to take 100 Test wickets. He faced a ban in 2014 due to an illegal bowling action but worked to rectify it with Saqlain Mushtaq. Ajmal retired in 2017 and currently serves as an assistant coach for PSL team Islamabad United.

Fazal Mahmood was a pioneering Pakistani cricketer known for his exceptional bowling skills. He played a crucial role in establishing Pakistan as a competitive Test match team, achieving significant milestones such as becoming the first Pakistani to reach 100 Test wickets. His standout performances, including taking ten wickets in a Test on four occasions, were instrumental in Pakistan's early successes against formidable opponents like India, England, and Australia. Fazal also served as Pakistan's captain, leading the team to victories before retiring from international cricket in 1962.

Umar Gul is a Pakistani cricket coach and former cricketer known for his role as the current bowling consultant of Peshawar Zalmi and interim bowling coach of the Pakistan national cricket team. He represented Pakistan in all three formats of the game as a right arm fast medium bowler. Gul was a key member of the Pakistan team that won the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 and was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. He retired in 2020 after a successful career spanning twenty years, leaving a legacy as the second-highest wicket-taker in Twenty20 International cricket.

Sana Mir is a former Pakistani cricketer and cricket commentator, known for her exceptional leadership skills as the captain of the Pakistan national women's cricket team. She has an impressive career record, having played 226 international matches, with 137 as captain. Mir was the first bowler from Pakistan to achieve 100 wickets in WODIs and has achieved numerous milestones in her career. She has led Pakistan to success in international competitions and has been recognized for her outstanding performance in various tournaments.

Azhar Mahmood is a Pakistani cricket coach and former cricketer known for his expertise in bowling. He served as the bowling coach for the Pakistani national cricket team from 2016 to 2019. Azhar was a key member of the Pakistan squad that reached the finals of the 1999 Cricket World Cup. He has represented Pakistan in Test matches and ODIs as well as played county cricket in England. Azhar is also a dual British citizen, adding to his international experience and perspective in the world of cricket.

Abdul Qadir Khan was a legendary leg spinner for Pakistan in the 1970s and 1980s. He played a total of 67 Test matches and 104 ODIs, captaining the national team in five ODIs. Qadir was known for his exceptional bowling skills, achieving significant milestones such as Pakistan's best Test bowling figures in an innings. After retiring, he served as a commentator and Chief Selector for the Pakistan Cricket Board. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2022.

Majid Jahangir Khan, known as "Majestic Khan," was a prominent cricketer from Pakistan who excelled as a batsman and captain for the national team. Renowned for his skills against express pace, he was considered one of the finest batsmen globally during his prime. Throughout his 18-year first-class career, he played in 63 Test matches, scoring 3,931 runs with 8 centuries. With remarkable performances in both Test matches and World Cups, Majid Khan left a lasting impact in the world of cricket before retiring in 1985.

Saleem Malik is a former Pakistani cricketer who played for the national team from 1981/82 to 1999. Known for his strong square of the wicket batting style and effective off break bowling, he captained Pakistan in both Test and One-Day International matches. Malik led the team to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Despite a successful career with over 100 Test matches, he was banned for match-fixing, becoming the first of several international players to face such allegations at the turn of the 21st century.

Abdul Hafeez Kardar was a prominent Pakistani cricketer, politician, and diplomat. He made significant contributions to Pakistan cricket by serving as the first captain of the national team and later becoming a leading cricket administrator. Kardar played a pivotal role in shaping the early years of Pakistan's Test cricket journey, captaining the team in its first 23 Test matches. He also had a successful political career, serving as a member of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab and as Punjab Minister for Food. Kardar's influence and leadership in Pakistani cricket earned him the title of the father figure of Pakistan cricket.

Adeel Raja is a Pakistani-born Dutch cricketer known for his skills as a right-handed batsman and a right-arm off-break bowler. He made his One Day International debut for the Netherlands against Sri Lanka on 16 September 2002. Raja has showcased his talent on the field with his proficient batting and bowling techniques, contributing to his team's performance. His professional career is marked by his dedication to the sport and his ability to excel in different aspects of the game, making him a valuable asset to the team.

Shakoor Rana was a Pakistani cricketer and umpire known for his significant contributions to the sport. He umpired in 18 Test matches, with one particularly memorable incident in 1987 involving a public dispute with England captain Mike Gatting. This altercation led to a disruption in the match. Rana's expertise and authority as an umpire were evident throughout his career, leaving a lasting impact on the cricketing world. His legacy extends beyond his umpiring role, as his family members also made notable contributions to cricket in Pakistan.

Mohammad Wasim Abbasi is a Pakistani cricket coach and former cricketer who represented both the Pakistan and Dutch cricket teams. He played a total of 18 Test matches and 25 One Day Internationals for the Pakistan national cricket team between 1996 and 2000. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, where he continues to contribute his expertise and knowledge to the development of cricket players. Wasim's experience as a player at the international level has provided him with valuable insights that he now imparts to aspiring cricketers.

Imran Abbas is a Pakistani cricketer known for his skills as a right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler. He started his professional career playing for teams such as Dera Ghazi Khan and Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan. In 2000, he made his international debut for Pakistan against Sri Lanka in a One Day International match. He has showcased steady performance for the national team, impressing with his play as an upper-order batsman. Abbas has also played for Pakistan International Airlines and Lahore-based teams in domestic tournaments like the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.