Pakistan was granted Test status in 1952, and quickly made its mark on the cricketing world despite initial struggles. One of their earliest triumphs came in 1954 when they defeated England at The Oval, with Fazal Mahmood’s 12-wicket haul turning the tide.
Since then, Pakistani cricketers have earned a reputation for brilliance, often shaped by their raw talent and unique abilities.
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Here are the 10 greatest Pakistani cricketers of all time
Imran Khan
Imran Khan, a legendary all-rounder, led Pakistan to their first-ever World Cup victory in 1992 and was pivotal in transforming Pakistan into a competitive force in the 1980s.
Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram, renowned for his lethal swing bowling, remains one of the most feared bowlers in cricket history, with 414 Test wickets and 502 ODI wickets to his name.
Hanif Mohammad
Known as the “Little Master,” Hanif Mohammad’s marathon innings of 337 against West Indies in 1957-58 remains the longest in Test history and a testament to his batting prowess.
Javed Miandad
Javed Miandad, a stalwart of Pakistan’s batting lineup, finished his career as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in Tests and played a crucial role in their 1992 World Cup triumph.
Waqar Younis
Waqar Younis, known for his raw pace and devastating reverse swing, took 373 Test wickets and was a terror for batsmen throughout the 1990s.
Zaheer Abbas
Zaheer Abbas, the “Asian Bradman,” scored prolifically for Pakistan, amassing over 5000 runs in Test cricket with a flair for big hundreds.
Inzamam-ul-Haq
Inzamam-ul-Haq, a powerful batsman, scored over 8800 runs in Tests and played a crucial role in Pakistan’s middle-order for over a decade.
Abdul Qadir
Abdul Qadir, Pakistan’s greatest leg-spinner, bamboozled batsmen with his variations and remains revered for his 9/56 against England in 1987.
Younis Khan
Younis Khan, a pillar of Pakistan’s batting in the 2000s and 2010s, scored over 7500 runs in Tests and was known for his consistency under pressure.
Fazal Mahmood
Fazal Mahmood, Pakistan’s first great fast bowler, was instrumental in early Test victories and set the tone for future generations of pace bowlers.
These cricketers have not only left an indelible mark on Pakistani cricket but also enriched the sport globally with their skill and charisma.
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