Ilyas Ahmed

Ilyas Ahmed was born on Christmas Day in 1984, in the bustling city of Lahore, Pakistan. From a young age, Ilyas lived and breathed cricket. Joining his neighbourhood team at ten, Ilyas quickly demonstrated an impressive knack for the game with his dexterity playing right-handed with the bat and his unique left-arm-fast-medium bowling style.

Growing up, his talent didn’t go unnoticed. School tournaments saw Ilyas outshine his peers, often single-handedly carrying his team to victory with his spirited bowling spells. He was soon scouted by local clubs, and his journey into professional cricket began. Making his debut for Lahore's domestic side at just 19, Ilyas's early performances were characterised by unerring accuracy and an ability to swing the ball at pace, unsettling batsmen with a blend of guile and raw speed.

Ilyas's career is studded with numerous achievements, highlighting his influence on the game. Notably, his exceptional performance in the 2008 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy—where he took a remarkable 40 wickets—paved the way for his selection into the national side. A memorable achievement came during a high-stakes match against arch-rivals India, where he claimed a five-wicket haul, effectively turning the game in Pakistan’s favour and creating a long-lasting rivalry known as the “Eden Gardens tussle”.

Throughout his career, Ilyas has been a part of two ICC Championship winning sides, standing out as a key player in Pakistan’s 2010 Asia Cup campaign. His remarkable last-over heroics against Sri Lanka are still fondly remembered by fans and analysts alike, establishing him as a consistent big-match player in the cricketing community.

Ilyas's bowling style is crafted around sharp, swinging deliveries that leave batsmen guessing, a testament to his technical mastery and composure under pressure. While primarily a bowler, his batting talent is not to be underestimated. Known for some crucial lower-order contributions, his right-handed cameos have bailed the team out of precarious situations more than once.

One of the most significant highlights of Ilyas Ahmed’s legacy was his role as a mentor to the younger generation of bowlers, inspiring them through his dedication to the sport and his cerebral approach to the game. Ilyas Ahmed, through his storied career, not only represents the fervour of Pakistani cricket, but he also stands as a testament to the sheer will and commitment this sport demands.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats