Wasim Akram Picks This Legend as the Greatest Pakistani Cricketer of All-Time

Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram has picked his former captain Imran Khan as the greatest cricketer in Pakistan’s history.

In a segment during Pakistan’s second ODI against Australia, Akram, who played under Imran’s captaincy during Pakistan’s historic 1992 World Cup win, and England’s Michael Vaugh were asked to name the three best players from their country.

Wasim highlighted Imran’s unparalleled influence, both on the field and as a leader, as the defining reasons for his selection. He said,

I have seen him[Imran Khan] in his prime as a cricketer. He was a proper, proper all-rounder.

Known for his skill and discipline, Imran led the Pakistani team from the front, and it was under his guidance that Pakistan clinched its first and only Cricket World Cup in 1992, cementing his legacy in the nation’s cricketing history.

Imran Khan’s career stats back up Akram’s sentiment. With 3,807 runs and 362 wickets in Test cricket, Imran was one of the world’s premier all-rounders, often compared to other legends like Sir Ian Botham and Kapil Dev.

But beyond the numbers, Akram emphasized Imran’s influence on shaping the “fighting spirit” of Pakistani cricket, which remains a hallmark of the team’s identity to this day.

Wasim Akram played under Imran Khan’s captaincy from 1986 to 1992, picking up 116 wickets and helping him lift the 1992 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Akram also picked former fast bowler Waqar Younis in third place while naming Javed Miandad as the second-best player ever in the history of Pakistan cricket.

Michael Vaughn, on the other hand, picked Javed Miandad at number three with Imran Khan second and Wasim Akram as the greatest Pakistani cricketer.