Full name Imran Nazir

Born December 16, 1981, Gujranwala, Punjab

Current age 27 years 206 days

Major teams Pakistan, Asia XI, ICL Pakistan XI, Lahore Badshahs, National Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Reserves, Sheikhupura Cricket Association, Sialkot Cricket Association, Sialkot Stallions, Water and Power Development Authority

Batting style Right-hand bat

Bowling style Legbreak

Another of Pakistan's prodigiously gifted players, but the suspicion was that Imran Nazir offers more genuine promise than most. An opener who is particularly strong off the back foot, he loves forcing through the covers. An aggressive approach has had him labelled as a one-day player, but Imran didn't fare badly in his first few Tests. Eventually, however, his technique and lack of footwork was found out rather cruelly by Glenn McGrath and Co in two Tests against Australia. Imran was then upstaged by the likes of Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Imran Farhat and Taufeeq Umar, but a series of consistent domestic performances saw him recalled to the national squad against South Africa in 2006-07. A typically explosive 39-ball 57 saw him get selected for the 2007 World Cup squad though three failures in that series took the gloss off a touch. He is one of the best fielders in Pakistan, though, and is supposed to be the first Pakistani to cartwheel (while intercepting a square cut).

A career-best 160 against Zimbabwe in the World Cup saw Nazir being retained for the following tours to Abu Dhabi and Scotland while also being selected for training camps held in Pakistan. Nazir was also named in the squad for the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship and was awarded a central contract in July 2007 before representing Pakistan in the home ODI series against South Africa. He later joined the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League.
Kamran Abbasi February 2008

The 19-year-old Imran Nazir hails from Mureedke, a small town situated roughly midway between Lahore and Sheikhupura. A batsman of immense talent and for some, a fielder of the Jonty Rhodes' class, Imran rose to stardom in a very short period. After giving of a string of attractive performances for Pakistan Under-19 and first-class competitions, he was immediately elevated to the ranks of Pakistan national side.

Called in to represent Pakistan in an Asian Test Championship match against Sri Lanka at Lahore, Imran made immediate impact by hammering a quick-fire 64 in the first innings. This knock was enough to justify his selection and earn him a trip to Sharjah for a triangular series involving, apart from Pakistan, India and South Africa. Pakistan beat South Africa in the final thanks to a gritty knock of 69 by Imran Nazir at the opening position. This was the innings, which reflected the true potential of this youngster and won him laurels from experts of the game. Young Imran was seen at his best in this match as he added 123 for the first wicket with Shahid Afridi. He treated the formidable bowling attack South Africa with such venom that Sunil Gavaskar, the Indian commentator, was forced to compare him with Sachin Tendulkar. Imran maintained his good form in the Caribbean and hit a magnificent ton in the second Test at St. John's to save Pakistan from humiliation in the match. Earlier, he played some useful knocks in the first ever-triangular series (involving Pakistan, West Indies and Zimbabwe) including his first One-day international hundred to steer Pakistan to victory in the tournament.

Imran is a front foot player who likes to go after the bowling. He can play shots to all parts of the ground, but hook, pull and late cut on the off side is his specialty. He earnestly needs to improve some aspects of his batting, e.g., he has got to have greater command of his back foot shots.

Imran started his domestic career playing for Water and Power Development Authority and Pakistan Reserves. He played two matches of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (Grade I) tournament for Sheikhupura scoring 84 runs at an average of 42.00.

Nov 16, 2008

Imran Nazir clears the boundary with ease

© ICL

Nov 13, 2008

Imran Nazir gets bat on ball

© ICL

Apr 4, 2008

Imran Nazir is bowled by Abdul Razzaq

© ICL

View the full index of related photos »