Pakistan has a rich legacy of producing world-class bowlers who have mesmerized cricket fans across generations. From the raw pace of Shoaib Akhtar to the magical spin of Abdul Qadir, Pakistan’s bowling attack has always been one of the most feared in the world. In this article, we highlight the Greatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History who left a lasting impact on the sport.
List of Top 10 Greatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History
1. Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram is widely considered the Greatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History. Known for his devastating swing bowling, especially reverse swing, he terrorized batsmen throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His smooth action and ability to bowl with pinpoint accuracy made him the complete bowler.
Akram was instrumental in Pakistan’s World Cup win in 1992. He picked up 916 wickets in 460 matches, including 31 five-wicket hauls, which shows his consistency and match-winning ability.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | BB | 4-W Hauls | 5-W Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | 460 | 916 | 7/119 | 37 | 31 |
2. Waqar Younis
Waqar Younis was the perfect partner to Wasim Akram and formed a legendary fast-bowling duo. Known for his fierce pace and toe-crushing yorkers, Waqar was at his peak during the 1990s. He holds the record for the Greatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History
With 789 wickets in 349 international matches, Waqar was a strike bowler capable of turning the match on its head within a few overs.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 4-Wicket Hauls | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | 349 | 789 | 7/36 | 42 | 35 |
3. Imran Khan
Imran Khan, one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, combined Greatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History. His ability to bowl long spells and extract reverse swing made him a match-winner. As captain, he groomed legends like Wasim and Waqar.
With 544 wickets in 263 matches, Imran’s legacy goes beyond statistics—he was a visionary leader and tactical genius.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 4-Wicket Hauls | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | 263 | 544 | 8/58 | 20 | 24 |
READ MORE: Top 5 Most Wickets In PSL
4. Shahid Afridi
While Afridi wasGreatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History, his bowling played a crucial role in many of Pakistan’s victories. He bowled a mix of leg-spin, googlies, and quicker deliveries that often caught batters off guard.
In 518 matches, he took 538 wickets, including a magical 7/12 spell in an ODI.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 4-Wicket Hauls | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | 518 | 538 | 7/12 | 8 | 10 |
5. Saqlain Mushtaq
Saqlain Mushtaq changed the game by introducing the “doosra”, a delivery that spins the opposite direction of a regular off-spin. This innovation made him incredibly difficult to face.
He picked up 496 wickets in 218 matches and remains one of Greatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 4-Wicket Hauls | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | 218 | 496 | 8/164 | 23 | 19 |
6. Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar was famous for his intimidating pace and aggressive style. He still holds the record for the fastest delivery in cricket at 161.3 km/h. Though injuries shortened his career, Greatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History
He took 438 wickets in 219 matches and regularly bowled over 150 km/h.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 4-Wicket Hauls | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | 219 | 438 | 6/11 | 16 | 16 |
7. Umar Gul
Umar Gul played a key role in Pakistan’s T20 success, including the 2009 World T20 win. Known for his deadly yorkers, he was especially effective during the death overs.
In 237 matches, Gul took 427 wickets and was among the Greatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 4-Wicket Hauls | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | 237 | 427 | 6/42 | 20 | 8 |
8. Saeed Ajmal
Saeed Ajmal became famous for his clever bowling and subtle variations. His doosra and off-spin made even top international batsmen struggle.
He ended his career with 447 wickets in 212 matches and was among the world’s Greatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 4-Wicket Hauls | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | 212 | 447 | 7/55 | 19 | 12 |
9. Abdul Razzaq
Abdul Razzaq was known more for his batting but was also a reliable medium-pace bowler. He often broke crucial partnerships and Greatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History
He picked up 388 wickets in 339 matches, proving his all-round value.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 4-Wicket Hauls | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | 339 | 388 | 6/35 | 12 | 4 |
READ MORE: Top 5 Best Pakistani Batsmen in Test Cricket
10. Abdul Qadir
Abdul Qadir brought flair and artistry to leg-spin bowling at a time when it was nearly extinct. His quick arm action and variations confused even the Greatest Pakistani Bowlers in Cricket History.
He took 368 wickets in 171 matches and is often credited with inspiring future spinners like Shane Warne.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 4-Wicket Hauls | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | 171 | 368 | 9/56 | 16 | 17 |
Pakistan’s cricket history is filled with legendary bowlers who have dominated all formats of the game. Whether it’s the blistering pace of Shoaib Akhtar, the magical swing of Wasim Akram, or the mysterious spin of Saeed Ajmal, these players have made Pakistan proud on the world stage.
These bowlers not only brought glory to the country but also inspired generations to follow in their footsteps. Their contributions to cricket continue to be celebrated globally, and their legacies remain firmly intact.