Abdul Razzaq Biography
Part of Pakistan’s prolific entrances of all-rounders who quickly made an impact following their International debuts, Abdul Razzaq, like Wasim Akram earlier, was introduced into Pakistan’s international set up as a bowler.
Razzaq made his debut in the home ODIs against Zimbabwe in 1996, used as a handy bowler who gave economic middle-over spells. While never struggling initially, during Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, Razzaq’s medium-pace bowling looked toothless on bouncy continental surfaces, often being punished for runs. His bowling grew in stature as months passed, and Razzaq additionally honed his batting skills, improving as a pinch-hitter. By the 1999 World Cup, he replaced Rameez Raja at the number 3 slot. His ability to rotate strike and be a handy pinch-hitter adapted Razzaq to either come in at the loss of an early wicket or consolidate a good start. During the 1999 World Cup in England, he was a key member in Pakistan’s final-place finish.
Progress in ODIs over his first three years was deemed good enough for a Test debut, earning his maiden green cap in a one-off appearance on tour to Australia in Brisbane (November, 1999). It took Razzaq 7 innings to register his first Test fifty, scored during Pakistan’s travel to the West Indies. A maiden Test century came in 2000 at Faisalabad in England’s sub continental visit. The same year, Razzaq also took a hat-trick against Sri Lanka, providing highlights of his dual ability.
Injuries permitting, Razzaq remained a mainstay in the Pakistani line-up, playing in the 2003 World Cup. While niggling knocks often kept him out, it also sometimes affected his bowling speed and batting rhythm. It also led to his exclusion from the 2007 World Cup. Upon being fit, Razzaq was overlooked from Pakistan’s World T20 squad, which led to him calling his retirement in retaliation. He went on to play in the unrecognized Indian Cricket League, thereby invoking a ban from the Pakistani Board. The two later reconciled with Razzaq calling off his retirement and leaving the ICL, to be selected in the 2009 World T20 squad, which Pakistan eventually won.
While injuries have taken its toll on the multifaceted Razzaq, he still remains one of Pakistan cricket’s enduring faces during his current era that peaked and toughed in symmetry.
Fast Facts
He became the first player to hold the distinction of batting in all positions from 1-10 in ODIs.
Is only the seventh Pakistani cricketer to score 1000 runs and take 100 wickets in Tests and the sixth to achieve the same feat in ODIs for his nation.
With over 6000 runs and 300 international wickets overall, Razzaq is only the fourth Pakistani cricketers to do so.
Took a Test hat-trick at the age of 20.
Part of Pakistan’s prolific entrances of all-rounders who quickly made an impact following their International debuts, Abdul Razzaq, like Wasim Akram earlier, was introduced into Pakistan’s international set up as a bowler.
Razzaq made his debut in the home ODIs against Zimbabwe in 1996, used as a handy bowler who gave economic middle-over spells. While never struggling initially, during Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, Razzaq’s medium-pace bowling looked toothless on bouncy continental surfaces, often being punished for runs. His bowling grew in stature as months passed, and Razzaq additionally honed his batting skills, improving as a pinch-hitter. By the 1999 World Cup, he replaced Rameez Raja at the number 3 slot. His ability to rotate strike and be a handy pinch-hitter adapted Razzaq to either come in at the loss of an early wicket or consolidate a good start. During the 1999 World Cup in England, he was a key member in Pakistan’s final-place finish.
Progress in ODIs over his first three years was deemed good enough for a Test debut, earning his maiden green cap in a one-off appearance on tour to Australia in Brisbane (November, 1999). It took Razzaq 7 innings to register his first Test fifty, scored during Pakistan’s travel to the West Indies. A maiden Test century came in 2000 at Faisalabad in England’s sub continental visit. The same year, Razzaq also took a hat-trick against Sri Lanka, providing highlights of his dual ability.
Injuries permitting, Razzaq remained a mainstay in the Pakistani line-up, playing in the 2003 World Cup. While niggling knocks often kept him out, it also sometimes affected his bowling speed and batting rhythm. It also led to his exclusion from the 2007 World Cup. Upon being fit, Razzaq was overlooked from Pakistan’s World T20 squad, which led to him calling his retirement in retaliation. He went on to play in the unrecognized Indian Cricket League, thereby invoking a ban from the Pakistani Board. The two later reconciled with Razzaq calling off his retirement and leaving the ICL, to be selected in the 2009 World T20 squad, which Pakistan eventually won.
While injuries have taken its toll on the multifaceted Razzaq, he still remains one of Pakistan cricket’s enduring faces during his current era that peaked and toughed in symmetry.
Fast Facts
He became the first player to hold the distinction of batting in all positions from 1-10 in ODIs.
Is only the seventh Pakistani cricketer to score 1000 runs and take 100 wickets in Tests and the sixth to achieve the same feat in ODIs for his nation.
With over 6000 runs and 300 international wickets overall, Razzaq is only the fourth Pakistani cricketers to do so.
Took a Test hat-trick at the age of 20.
Abdul Razzaq
Abdul Razzaq
Abdul Razzaq
Abdul Razzaq
Abdul Razzaq
Abdul Razzaq
Abdul Razzaq
Abdul Razzaq
Abdul Razzaq
Abdul Razzaq
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