Ijaz Ahmad

Ijaz Ahmad
Nationality: Pakistan
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Date of Birth: 1970-12-19 Age: 54

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

Born on 19th December 1970, Ijaz Ahmad's journey from a small cricket-loving neighbourhood to the international stage is a tale of persistence and raw talent. Growing up in Lahore, Ijaz was often seen with a cricket ball in his hand, attempting to emulate his heroes from the streets of Pakistan. His passion for the game was evident from a young age as he bowled endlessly at local grounds, honing a diverse array of bowling skills.

Ijaz made his professional debut in the early 1990s, quickly establishing himself as a bowler to watch. Renowned for his ability to bowl both pace and spin, Ijaz's versatile bowling technique confused and confounded batsmen. His knack for swinging the ball miles brought him into the national spotlight, and he was soon donning the national colours.

One of Ijaz's major achievements was his pivotal role in his team's miraculous victory in the 1996 World Cup quarter-final against a highly rated Australian side. He dismissed key Australian batsmen with deliveries that swung late and with vicious bite off the seam. It was an unforgettable display that earned him the man of the match award and etched his name into cricket folklore.

Ijaz was also known for his fierce rivalry with India's iconic batsman, which brought out the best of his competitive spirit during the famous series of 1999. His ability to outthink and outplay some of the finest batsmen highlighted his cricketing intelligence and strategic acumen.

Not solely a bowler, his right-hand batting, though overshadowed by his bowling prowess, contributed valuable runs in tense situations. He managed to notch an invincible 50 against England in 1998, steering his team from a precarious position to a hard-fought victory.

Over the years, Ijaz's impact on cricket extended beyond statistics. His ability to remain calm in adverse situations and his sportsmanship on and off the field earned him respect worldwide. Despite an occasionally erratic form, his determination and flair left a lasting legacy in cricketing annals.

As his career drew to a close, Ijaz continued to impart his unparalleled knowledge of the game to younger generations, ensuring his contributions to cricket lived on through those who followed in his footsteps.