Pakistan’s Famous Cricketers of All Time| Famous Batsmen & Bowlers of Pakistan

Cricket is huge in Pakistan. People there are crazy about it. And why not? They’ve got some seriously talented players. Some can smash the ball out of the park, while others can bowl like magicians. These players are like stars in the eyes of their fans. They wear green jerseys with pride and make Pakistan proud. Let’s talk about Pakistani famous cricketers who make cricket so exciting for everyone.

Famous Pakistani Cricketers: The Stars of Pakistan’s Batting Lineup

Babar Azam

Babar Azam stands tall and is one of the best cricketers in Pakistan. His graceful batting style and ability to play various shots make him a joy to watch. But what sets him apart from his peers?

Azam’s consistent performances across all formats of the game are impressive. He excels whether he’s playing Test matches, ODI, or T20Is. As a captain, he has led Pakistan to numerous significant victories, showcasing his leadership skills on the field. 

In Test cricket, Azam has amassed 3898 runs at an average of 45.85, with 9 centuries and 26 half-centuries to his name. His prowess with the bat is undeniable. In ODIs, his record is equally stellar, with 5729 runs at an impressive average of 56.72. This includes 19 centuries and 32 5 half-centuries. 

These stats clearly show that Babar Azam is not a great batsman but a modern cricketer who seamlessly combines talent, skill, and leadership.

Span		Mat	Inns	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100s	50s	0s	4s	6s
Test	2016-2024	52	94	3898	196	45.85	54.86	9	26	7	453	23
ODI	2015-2023	117	114	5729	158	56.72	88.75	19	32	4	520	60
T20I	2016-2024	119	112	4023	122	41.05	130.15	3	36	6	432	69

Javed Miandad

From his early days, Miandad was recognized as an exceptional talent and lived up to the expectations of being the best Pakistan batsman with remarkable performances. He scored 163 and 206 against New Zealand in his debut Test series. These innings were just the beginning of a stellar career filled with many more such contributions. By the time Miandad retired in 1993, he was Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in Test cricket. He amassed 8832 runs from 124 Tests at an impressive average of 52.57. In 233 ODIs, he scored 7381 runs at an average of 41.70, which is outstanding by ODI standards. He was also a key player in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team. 

He was one famous Pakistani cricketer who has influenced the game profoundly. Miandad’s career remains a testament to his skill, determination, and impact on Pakistan cricket.

Span		Mat	Inns	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100s	50s	0s	4s	6s
Test	1976- 1993	124	189	8832	280*	52.57	–	100	23	6	–	–
ODI	1975-1996	233	218	7381	119*	41.70	67.01	8	50	8	–	–

Inzamam-ul-Haq

Many consider him among the finest middle-order batsmen in the game’s history. Before resigning in 2023, he also served as the chief selector for the Pakistan cricket team.

Inzamam was an integral part of the Pakistani squad that won the 1992 Cricket World Cup, where he initially rose to fame with his standout performance in the semi-final. Over the years, he became Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in one-day internationals and the third-highest in Test cricket. He’s also the only Pakistani batsman to cross the 20,000-run mark in international cricket.

Beyond cricket, he is a prominent member of the Tablighi Jamaat, an Islamic missionary organization, showcasing his influence both on and off the field. His legacy is a testament to his enduring influence and dedication to the sport.

Span		Mat	Inns	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100s	50s	0s	4s	6s
Test	1992-2007	120	200	8830	329	49.60	54.02	24	46	15	1105	48
ODI	1991-2007	378	350	11739	137*	39.52	74.24	10	83	20	971	144
T20I	1	1	1	11	11*	–	73.33	0	0	0	0	1

Shahid Afridi

A dynamic all-rounder and captain of the Pakistan national cricket team, Afridi’s cricketing journey began with his ODI debut in 1996 against Kenya. He was named Player of the Tournament in the 2007 T20 World Cup. In the 2009 T20 World Cup final, he led Pakistan to victory with an unbeaten 54 and figures of 1/20 from his four overs.

Following Pakistan’s triumph, Afridi took over as T20 captain from Younis Khan. In 2010, he was appointed ODI captain and briefly served as Test captain before retiring from the format after just one match. Under his leadership, Pakistan reached the 2011 Cricket World Cup semi-finals, only to be defeated by India. Afridi’s tenure as ODI captain ended in 2011, and he retired from ODI cricket in 2015.

Beyond the cricket field, Afridi has made significant contributions through his charity, the Shahid Afridi Foundation, which focuses on providing education and healthcare. He also partnered with UNICEF to promote anti-polio campaigns in Pakistan. During the 2019 Coronavirus pandemic, Afridi’s efforts to help those in need in Balochistan led to him contracting COVID-19 in June 2020.

Afridi’s legacy isn’t just limited to his on-field heroics. In 2015, he was named among the top 20 most charitable athletes, highlighting his commitment to giving back to the community.

Span		Mat	Inns	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100s	50s	0s	4s	6s
Test	1998-2010	27	48	1716	156	36.51	86.97	5	8	6	220	52
ODI	1996-2015	398	369	8064	124	23.57	117	6	39	30	730	351
T20I	2006-2018	99	91	1416	54*	17.92	150	0	4	8	103	73

Shoaib Malik

As a player for the national team and currently with the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Malik’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. He was a popular Pakistani cricketer and captained the Pakistan national team from 2007 to 2009. He was the first male cricketer to play 100 T20Is. He was ranked second in the ICC ODI all-rounder rankings, just behind Shahid Afridi.

In 2017, he became the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in T20Is. The following year, he was the first Asian batsman to score 2,000 T20I runs and the third overall. His achievements didn’t stop there; he was also the first player to play 100 T20Is globally. By October 2020, he became the first Pakistani batsman to score 10,000 runs in T20 cricket.

In February 2023, Malik reached another milestone, becoming the first Pakistani and the third cricketer worldwide to play 500 T20 matches. His resilience and dedication have kept him at the top of his game for decades.

Span		Mat	Inns	Runs	HS	Avg	SR	100s	50s	0s	4s	6s
Test	2001-2015	35	60	1898	245	35.14	45.67	3	8	6	239	17
ODI	1999-2019	287	258	7534	143	34.55	81.90	9	44	15	603	113
T20I	2006-2021	124	111	2435	75	31.21	125.64	0	9	2	196	69

Related read:  Pakistani Players, who played in IPL

Best Pakistani Bowlers of All Time

Wasim Akram

There’s no doubt that Wasim Akram was one of the most famous cricketers in Pakistan and a formidable bowler of his era. Ask any batsman from that time, and they’ll tell you how menacing he was, swinging the ball from over or around the wicket and doing so at speeds exceeding 90 mph. Akram’s career statistics are as impressive as his on-field exploits. He ended with 414 Test and 502 ODI wickets, achieving over 104 and 356 matches, respectively.

Wasim Akram’s skill and achievements make him a true legend of the game, a bowler whose legacy continues to inspire new generations.

Span		Mat	Inns	Overs	Wkts	BBI	Avg	Econ	SR
Test	1985-2002	104	181	3771.1	414	7/119	23.62	2.59	54.6
ODI	1984-2003	356	351	3031	502	5/15	23.52	3.89	36.2

Waqar Younis

His unique round-arm action aimed at the base of the stumps ensured he hit his target more often than not. Despite his aggressive approach occasionally leading to conceding runs, Younis remained focused on his primary goal: taking wickets. 

He holds remarkable bowling records that set him apart from his peers. With 372 wickets in 87 Tests, he boasts a strike-rate better than any bowler with over 200 Test wickets. Not just limited to Test cricket, he claimed 416 wickets from 262 matches in ODI cricket. His consistency and ability to deliver in both formats solidify his place among the cricketing greats.

Span		Mat	Inns	Overs	Wkts	BBI	Avg	Econ	SR
Test	1989-2003	87	154	2704	372	7/76	23.56	3.25	43.4
ODI	1989-2003	262	258	2116.2	416	7/36	23.84	4.68	30.5

Imran Khan

During their playing days, there were rumours of a fierce rivalry between Imran Khan and Javed Miandad. Still, even Miandad would likely agree that Imran is the greatest cricketer Pakistan has ever produced. Imran Khan is one of the finest all-rounders in cricket history and played an important role in transforming Pakistan from a mediocre team to one that could challenge the mighty West Indies of the 1980s. 

Imran’s career stats are nothing short of remarkable. He took 362 wickets in just 88 Tests at an average of 22.81. His two-decades-long career is a testament to his exceptional skill and enduring impact.

Beyond his achievements on the field, Imran deserves immense credit for nurturing talents like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. His instinctive selection and mentoring helped mould them into the champion bowlers they became.

Span		Mat	Inns	Balls	Wkts	BBI	Avg	Econ	SR
Test	1971-1992	88	142	19458	362	8/58	22.81	2.54	53.7
ODI	1974-1992	175	153	7461	182	6/14	26.61	3.89	40.9

Shoaib Akhtar

A renowned former international cricketer, commentator and Pakistan’s famous cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar earned the nickname “Rawalpindi Express” for his lightning-fast deliveries. He holds the record for the fastest delivery in cricket history, with an unbeaten 161.3 kmph. His impact on the game undeniably captivated audiences with his speed and aggression.

Following his retirement from professional cricket, Akhtar launched his YouTube channel. Here, he shares insights and reviews on international and league matches and his observations on Pakistani cricket. It’s fascinating to see how he’s transitioned from the pitch to the digital realm, continuing to engage with fans and share his expertise.

Span		Mat	Inns	Overs	Wkts	BBI	Avg	Econ	SR
Test	1997-2007	46	82	1357.1	178	6/11	25.69	3.37	45.7
ODI	1998-2011	163	162	1294	247	6/16	24.97	4.76	31.4
T20I	2006-2010	15	15	53	19	3/38	22.73	8.15	16.7

Umar Gul

With his lethal yorkers and relentless pace, Gul has tormented batsmen worldwide. Who can forget his pivotal role in Pakistan’s victories during the World T20 tournaments in 2007 and 2009? Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Gul’s determination and resilience have been unwavering. 

His contribution to Pakistan’s cricketing legacy is immeasurable, inspiring generations of aspiring cricketers. As he continues to be an ambassador for the sport, Umar Gul remains a revered figure in the cricketing fraternity.

Span		Mat	Inns	Overs	Wkts	BBI	Avg	Econ	SR
Test	2003-2013	47	90	1599.5	163	6/135	34.06	3.47	58.8
ODI	2003-2016	130	128	1010.4	179	6/42	29.34	5.19	33.8
T20I	2007-2016	60	60	200.3	85	5/6	16.97	7.19	14.1

In Pakistan, cricket is more than just a game—it’s a passion that unites millions. Through the exploits of its beloved Pakistani cricket legends, the nation’s cricketing legacy shines bright, inspiring generations.

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FAQs

Who is the most famous Pakistani cricketer?

Former cricketer and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, is the most famous Pakistani cricketer. In his cricket career, he has played 88 tests and 175 ODI.

Is Babar Azam famous in Pakistan?

He is one of Pakistan’s best batsmen, scoring 5729 runs in ODI.

Who are the best Pakistani bowlers of all time?

The greatest Pakistani bowlers of all time are Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Imran Khan

Who is the best Pakistan batsman in the world?

Younis Khan is considered the best Pakistan batsman.