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| Waqar Younis | |
|---|---|
| Name | Waqar Younis |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Fullname | Waqar Younis Maitla |
| Birth date | 16 November 1971 |
| Birth place | Vehari, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in |
| Batting | Right-handed |
| Bowling | Right-arm fast |
| Role | Bowler |
| Testdebutdate | 15 November 1989 |
| Testdebutfor | Pakistan |
| Testdebutagainst | India |
| Odi debutdate | 14 October 1989 |
| Odi debutfor | Pakistan |
| Odi debutagainst | West Indies |
Waqar Younis is a former Pakistani international cricketer and coach, widely regarded as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers of the 1990s and 2000s. He formed a renowned new-ball partnership with Wasim Akram for the Pakistan and later served in coaching and administrative roles with several national and domestic sides. His career intersected with major tournaments such as the 1992 World Cup, 1996 World Cup, and 2003 World Cup.
Born in Vehari, Punjab, Pakistan, he moved to Multan and later Lahore where he developed his cricketing skills at local clubs linked to institutions like Pakistan International Airlines and National Bank of Pakistan. He came through youth pathways alongside contemporaries such as Salim Malik, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saeed Anwar, and Aamer Sohail. Early coaches and scouts from regional sides like Punjab cricket team and Pakistan Customs cricket team identified his raw pace and reverse-swing potential.
He represented multiple domestic sides including House Building Finance Corporation and Hyderabad (Pakistan) cricket team as well as franchises in overseas competitions like Lancashire County Cricket Club, Essex County Cricket Club, and Sussex County Cricket Club. In Pakistani first-class competitions such as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and Pentangular Trophy, he took prolific wicket hauls alongside bowlers like Mushtaq Ahmed and Aaqib Javed. Stints in county cricket put him up against batsmen from England cricket team, Australia national cricket team, and South Africa national cricket team, enhancing his experience ahead of international assignments.
He made an impactful ODI debut against West Indies cricket team and a Test debut against India national cricket team, quickly becoming a fixture in Pakistan sides captained by figures like Imran Khan, Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram (as captain occasionally), and Inzamam-ul-Haq (as captain later). He enjoyed success in bilateral series versus Sri Lanka national cricket team, New Zealand national cricket team, Zimbabwe national cricket team, and Bangladesh national cricket team. He played in major tours including to England, Australia, South Africa, and India, and in multi-nation events like the Asia Cup and the Commonwealth Games. Key teammates and opponents included Javed Miandad, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Sachin Tendulkar, and Brian Lara.
Renowned for toe-crushing yorkers, late reverse-swing, and steep bouncers, his repertoire was studied alongside peers like Dale Steyn and Curtly Ambrose. Coaches such as Bob Woolmer and mentors from county setups refined his wrist position and seam presentation to exploit conditions used in venues like Lord's, Eden Gardens, and Melbourne Cricket Ground. Analysts compared his seam-up delivery with historical pacemen such as Malcolm Marshall and Imran Khan. Tactical use of the new ball, variations including slower balls and toe-enders, and reverse-swing mastery made him effective in death overs and Test sessions alike.
After retirement he took coaching roles with Pakistan as bowling coach and head coach, and held positions with UAE and domestic sides including Punjab cricket team and Karachi Kings in franchise leagues like the Pakistan Super League. He worked with directors and administrators such as Intikhab Alam, Javed Miandad, Ramiz Raja, Inzamam-ul-Haq (as PCB chief), and Najam Sethi during stints at the Pakistan Cricket Board. He also collaborated with international coaches like John Reid, Andy Flower, Tom Moody, and Darren Lehmann in various capacities.
His career was marked by a few disciplinary matters including disputes with selection committees chaired by figures such as Irfan Sadiq and media controversies involving journalists from outlets covering ESPNcricinfo and Dawn. He was involved in high-profile dressing-room and selection disagreements during eras overseen by administrators including Mushtaq Ahmad and when captains like Shahid Afridi and Misbah-ul-Haq led Pakistan. On-field incidents and allegations occasionally required intervention by the International Cricket Council and umpires from panels featuring officials appointed by Marylebone Cricket Club traditions.
He is remembered alongside fast-bowling greats such as Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Dale Steyn, Glenn McGrath, Curtly Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall, Jeff Thomson, Michael Holding, and Andy Roberts. Recognitions and awards include national honors conferred during administrations led by Pakistani presidents and prime ministers who have lauded cricketers like Imran Khan (former PM), Pervez Musharraf (former President), and acknowledgements by bodies like the Pakistan Cricket Board and sporting federations in Lahore and Karachi. His influence persists in coaching philosophies adopted by Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Saeed Ajmal, and younger pacemen in domestic programs supported by institutions such as PCB High Performance Centre and National Cricket Academy.
Category:Pakistani cricketers Category:Cricket coaches Category:1971 births Category:Living people