Pakistan has always been fortunate to have some of the best fast bowlers in the world. From the inventor of leg-cutter to the master of reverse swing, best left arm fast bowler to the tallest fast bowler, master of slow ball to the fastest bowler in the world Pakistan has produced it all. Here are ten most iconic fast bowlers Pakistan showcased in world cricket. Be ready for the tribute!
Fazal Mahmood
The first ever iconic cricketer of Pakistan, he was a huge hit on and off the field, first ever cricketer to appear in a Brylcreem ad. He is the reason for Pakistan becoming an aggressive and winning team even in its early stages. He was not fast, but who cares as radio and newspapers were there to report and cricket fans in their imagination pictured a handsome bowler bowling fast with the ability to move the ball away from the batsman. Fazal was not only Hero of Oval he was and still is the iconic fast bowling hero of Pakistan.
Sarfraz Nawaz
Sarfraz was not charismatic as many bowlers of his era he always wanted to remodel his bowling action to make it fancy but never succeeded in that. However, he introduced and mastered the art of reverse swing, the weapon Pakistani bowlers used to rule batsmen for years. Who can forget his spell of 9 wickets for 86 in MCG from the famous tour of 1978-79?
Imran Khan
Undoubtedly the mighty Khan – Imran Khan is the most celebrated cricketer in Pakistan, and why not a handsome hunk wearing a shirt with top 3 buttons not doing their basic job and letting golden chains to expose, with a hairstyle kept in a way to look air-stricken all the time. Running into the stump, taking leap and delivering those unplayable in-swingers with bullet like speed. All these are enough to make anyone next to icon and Imran Khan truly earned it.
Wasim Akram
Cricket world hasn’t seen any left-arm fast bowler more iconic than Wasim Akram. Running into the stumps from just more than ten feet whipping quick arm action and ability to move ball in any direction with identical grip of the seam. Wasim Akram was the first one to cross 800 wickets mark across format and he still is Pakistan’s leading wicket tacker in ODIs.
Waqar Younis
What makes Waqr Younis Iconic? It’s his aggression and those big banana-swing deliveries. If one truly wants to enjoy watching him bowl then try it while listening to Dhol of “Papu Saain”, it will all make much more sense then. He proved why pace is important and how fruitful it is.
Aqib Javed
The third ace in the deck of Imran Khan, according to Imran he was the quickest learner among the trio of Wasim, Waqar and Aqib. The natural out swinger, master of slow ball, and perhaps the only Pakistani fast bowler with the ability to swing new ball at any condition. Aqib also has the credit to dismiss Sachin Tendulker more than any other Pakistani bowler that too during the prime form days of ‘Lord of Cricket”
Shoaib Akhtar
Rawalpindi express the true outcome of bowl like Imran Khan Mania. The coolest Pindi boy – Shoaib Akhtar still holds the record of bowling fastest ball in the history of cricket that too not once but twice. Who can forget a dipping in swinger that stunned not only Sachin Tendulker but also every single one present at the Eden Garden?
Umer Gull
Why Umer Gull? The answer lies in his performance in WT20 2007 when he was the real surprise of the tournament. Then again he showed his true colors in 2009 first against Australia and then in England when he was one of the prime reasons of Pakistan eventually lifting the WT20 trophy at lords.
Mohammad Irfan
The tallest cricketer ever Mohammad Irfan might not have stats matching to the likes of Wasim and Waqar but this tall left arm fast bowler has that X factor that makes him iconic. However, he has his share of memorable performances too, Tour of India 2012-13 is one such example, he also lead Pakistani pace attack during World Cup 2015 while Pakistan was missing its Ace Spinner and Opening Fast bowler – Saeed Ajmal and Junaid Khan.
Mohammad Zahid
Record says that Shoiab Akhtar is the fastest bowler but Shoaib himself declares that the fellow Pindi boy Mohammad Zahid was yards faster than him. He made a dream debut taking 11 wickets in first test, he played major role in Pakistan winning the World Series 1996-97 in Australia who can forget his spell against Brian Lara when the best of that time kneeled to the pace of Zahid. Sadly his career ended too soon due to back injury.