Pakistan, a country with a rich and storied cricketing history, has produced a host of legendary players who have not only dominated world cricket but have also left an indelible mark on the sport. From producing world-class fast bowlers and batsmen to winning major international titles like the ICC World Cup, Pakistan’s contribution to the global cricketing stage has been profound.
Given the nation’s legacy, selecting just three players from Pakistan’s cricketing pantheon is no easy task. However, two cricketing greats, Wasim Akram and Michael Vaughan, recently shared their top three picks for the greatest Pakistani cricketers of all time.
Vaughan and Akram, each with a deep understanding and respect for Pakistan’s cricketing prowess, offered their personal choices, highlighting some of the most influential figures who have shaped the country’s cricketing narrative. Both legends paid homage to these players, recognizing their impact not only on the field but also in shaping Pakistan’s cricket identity.
Michael Vaughan’s top picks for Pakistan’s best cricketers
Former England captain Vaughan began his list by selecting Javed Miandad at number three. Vaughan described Miandad as a ‘ferocious brilliant batter’ who was a dominant force in the 1980s. He added that Miandad was not just a brilliant cricketer but also someone who often found himself surrounded by controversy.
“I’m going to go with someone that I watched a lot in the 80s he was ferocious brilliant batter always a bit of controversy about him Javid Miandad,” said Vaughan on Fox Cricket.
At number two, Vaughan chose Pakistan’s World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan, emphasizing his impact both on and off the field. ‘Without any question,’ Vaughan said, praising Imran’s leadership and his ability to excel in the county game. Vaughan also humorously noted Imran’s charm, saying, ‘he could pull the chicks.’
“Number two, Imran Khan without any question. Lifted the World Cup, revelation playing for Pakistan and he was brilliant at the county game and he could pull the chicks,” added Vaughan.
For his number one spot, Vaughan pointed to none other than his co-panelist Akram, acknowledging Akram’s unparalleled brilliance as a cricketer. “He is my number one,” Vaughan said, putting the spotlight on the legendary fast bowler who is widely regarded as one of the best in the history of the game.
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Wasim Akram’s choices for Pakistan greatest players
Akram, when it was his turn, humbly acknowledged that he was told to include himself in the list. Despite his initial embarrassment, Akram picked his long-time bowling partner Waqar Younis at number three, stating that it was difficult not to include Waqar in any list of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers.
“Look I’ve been told I might go off the script here. I’ve been told that I have to pick myself up I’m bit embarrassed to do that but number three I pick Waqar Younis,” said Akram.
At number two, Akram followed Vaughan’s lead and chose Miandad. He praised Miandad’s contribution to Pakistan cricket and highlighted that Miandad’s name would always be mentioned among the greats.
“Number two is great Javed Miandad. I mean he every time you talk about greats coming out of Pakistan Javid Miandad, his name is right up there,” the former Pakistan pacer added.
For his top spot, Akram selected Imran, emphasizing his impact during his prime days as an allrounder. Akram noted that Imran belonged to an era rich with legendary allrounders, including Ian Botham, Richard Hadlee, and Kapil Dev.
“It’s got to be Imran Khan I’ve seen him in his prime days as a cricketer not off the field as a Playboy but as a cricketer I mean he was a proper proper allrounder then that era was allrounder era. Ian Botham, Richard Headley, Imran Khan and then Kapil Dev from India,” Akram added further.