Pakistan gained independence on 14th August 1947. Five years after its independence, Pakistan was granted its test status in 1952. Their first-ever tour was against India in 1952 for a 5-match test series which they eventually lost by 2-1. But in 1954, they managed to stop England for the first time at the Oval. They managed to draw the series 1-1. Over the years, Pakistani cricketers have earned a reputation for being brilliant and erratic at the same time.
As we know, Pakistan is known for its furious fast bowling. It looks like they have a secret factory of fast-bowling talents. Players like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Saqlian Mushtaq, and Waqar Younis have brought great success and glory to their country with the Bowl. Even with the bat, Players like Inzamam-Ul-Haq, Javed Miandad Misbah-Ul-Haq, and Younis Khan dominate the game.
As per the records, here are the Greatest Pakistani Legendary Players in the History of Cricket whose names are written on their Book of Legends.
Greatest Pakistani Legendary Players in the History of Cricket
Wasim Akram
The King of Swing Bowling, Wasim Akram, is considered the best bowler in Pakistan’s history of cricket. He possesses the skill of swinging the ball both ways, at 90 mph and higher speeds.
Wasim Akram was also an asset with his Reverse Swing and a key player in Pakistan cricket team for the World Cup of 1992 where he became the highest wicket-taker. He finished his career with 414 test wickets in 104 matches and 502 ODI wickets in 356 matches.
Imran Khan
Imran Khan is the man who started the legacy of fast bowling for Pakistan. Besides bowling, he has some outstanding batting records. Overall he was a great all-rounder who debuted for Pakistan at 18. In 1987, Imran retired from cricket, but the board asked him to return.
He returned, and upon his comeback, he won the 1992 World Cup. His Match winning knock of 72 helped Pakistan to lift their first-ever World Cup. He took 362 wickets in just 88 tests and scored 3807 runs at an average of nearly 40.
Javed Miandad
Miandad, the hero batsman for Pakistan in the 1992 world cup was Pakistan’s top run-scorer in the World cup with 437 runs. Javed Miandad is a great batsman who was recognized as an exceptional talent right from his early days; he didn’t disappoint as he scored 163 and 206 in his debut test series.
In 1993, He ended his Test career against Zimbabwe as the leading run-getter for Pakistan in Test match cricket.
Inzamam-Ul-Haq
Inzamam-Ul-Haq is one of the best batters Pakistan has ever seen. He may not have made a name like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Brain Lara, but when it comes to modern batting, his record is not far behind. Inzy debuted in 1991 and directly impacted the side in the 1992 World Cup. He ended his career with 20541 runs, making him the highest run-scorer in Pakistan’s history.
Waqar Younis
Waqar Younis made his debut on 15th November 1989 alongside Sachin Tendulkar. He bowls fiercely with raw pace and aggression, Waqar Younis is known for his toe-crushing Yorkers, and he becomes deadly when the ball starts to reverse.
Although he retired early, his contribution to the game and the Pakistan cricket team is unforgettable. Waqar was the youngest player to achieve 400 wickets in ODI and the second-leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in world cricket.
Zaheer Abbas
Zaheer Abbas is known as the Asian Bradman for his 100 first-class centuries. He was a part of the 1970s Pakistan cricket team and was the backbone of their batting lineup alongside Javed Miandad for a long time.
He made 274 runs against England at Edgbaston in just his 2nd Test match, the most significant moment of his career. His test cricket career came to an end with more than 5000 runs in just 78 Tests.
Abdul Qadir
Abdul Qadir, The Greatest Leg-spinner of Pakistan, took 236 wickets in just 67 Test matches. In Test cricket Abdul Qadir has the best figures in an innings for a Pakistani, having taken 9/56 against England. In those days, He was also compared with Shane Warne.
Shahid Afridi
Probably, there is no one in the whole world who has not heard the name ‘Boom Boom Afridi.’ Being one of the most destructive, hard-hitting, and aggressive Batsmen in Pakistan and World Cricket, he is the perfect all-rounder Pakistan has ever produced.
Afridi is one of only three all-rounders in world cricket who contribute 10000 runs with the bat and take 500 wickets with the ball.
Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar, or we all can say The Rawalpindi Express, is one of the most lethal bowlers the world has witnessed. Undoubtedly the Fastest bowler in world cricket, He clicked 161.3 km/h against England in 2003, which remains the fastest delivery bowled in cricket.
Shoaib Akhtar ended his career by taking 438 wickets in all the formats. The Rawalpindi Express is the 7th highest wicket-taker for Pakistan
Saqlain Mushtaq
Unarguably, Saqlain Mushtaq is one of the most underrated spinners for Pakistan and in world cricket. A great spinner who knew how to spin the web for the opponent. Being an offspinner, Saqlain Mushtaq mastered the ‘Doosra,’ a delivery that turns away from the batsman even though it is delivered with an offspinner.
He played only for nine years and retired early, but he became the fastest to 200 and 250 wickets in ODI during his brief career span. Also, he takes 496 wickets in all the formats.
Final Words
In different eras, Pakistan witnessed different talents in the national cricket team. The outstanding players not only amazed the spectators with their flawless play but also worked as an inspiration to the budding cricketers in Pakistan and across the world. Showing their expertise in the ODI World Cup, the T20 World cup and the Champions trophy, the legendary Pakistani cricketers earned their own place in the history of cricket.
