Obaidullah Sadiqui

Born on a crisp winter’s day on 23rd February 1985, Obaidullah Sadiqui’s tryst with cricket began in the winding lanes of Lahore, where the thwack of a rubber ball against brick echoed his burgeoning passion. As a child, Obaidullah was enamoured with the art of deception that is at the heart of leg-spin bowling. His fascination with the ability to spin a seemingly innocuous cricket ball into a weapon of stealth and guile defined his cricketing aspirations from an early age.

Sadiqui’s journey from a precocious talent in local club cricket to his professional debut was a testament to his tireless dedication. It was during the regional U-19 championship that he first caught the eye of selectors, bamboozling batsmen with his impeccable control of the legbreak and googly, feats that earned him a place in the provincial senior team by the age of 20.

His debut at the professional level was nothing short of spectacular. Bowling with a rhythm that made his deliveries seem a dance in slow motion, Obaidullah’s ability to outfox batsmen quickly became his hallmark. One of his significant achievements came in 2008 when he played a pivotal role in securing his team’s title in the national T20 championship. His cunning figures of 4 for 21 in the finals were instrumental in turning the tide in his team’s favour.

Throughout his career, Obaidullah’s elegant yet lethal bowling style gave rise to intense on-field rivalries, particularly with batsmen known for their aggressive play. One such notable rivalry that defined his career was against the formidable batting line-up of the Karachi Sharks, where his consistent breakthroughs became a thorn in their title aspirations season after season.

While primarily known for his bowling, Sadiqui's right-handed batting offered depth lower down the order, often contributing vital runs in crunch situations. However, it was during the unforgettable summer of 2011 that Sadiqui solidified his legacy. In a match forever etched in cricketing lore, he delivered a stunning performance with both bat and ball, crafting an unexpected half-century followed by a decisive three-wicket haul against the arch-rivals.

Obaidullah Sadiqui’s career stands as a beacon of the unpredictability and charm of leg-spin bowling. His ability to remain a step ahead of the batsman reflects not only his skill but his profound understanding of cricket's intricate dance, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats