Mohammad Javed Miandad Khan, or simply Javed Miandad, is widely regarded as the greatest batsman that Pakistan has ever produced. Born on June 12, 1957, in Karachi, Pakistan, Miandad’s cricketing prowess was recognized at a young age. Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Pakistan’s first Test captain and influential administrator, predicted that Miandad would be the “find of the decade” when he first saw him play in the early 1970s.
Miandad’s potential was quickly realized when he made his debut for Pakistan against New Zealand in 1976. His performance in that series marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would see him become a legendary figure in Pakistani cricket. Although not a traditionalist when it came to batting, Miandad possessed a wide range of shots, including a beautiful square cut and early reverse-sweep. His ability to read the game and score runs in any situation earned him unmatched success throughout his career.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Miandad’s career was his consistency. His career average never fell below fifty, an astounding achievement in itself. He holds the record for the highest number of Test runs scored by a Pakistani cricketer, and his batting prowess has won numerous matches for Pakistan, with the exception of Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Miandad’s genius was often on full display in his finest innings. Whether it was his two back-to-back hundreds in the West Indies in 1987-88 or his double centuries against India and England, he always showcased his ability to overcome challenges and excel in any condition. Even on notoriously difficult pitches in Australia or England, Miandad found a way to score runs and silence his critics.
His brilliance extended to the limited-overs format as well. Miandad’s running between the wickets and shot placement, considered aggressive and innovative at the time, earned him great success in ODIs. One of his most memorable performances was a near-miraculous century against India in Sharjah in 1986, which secured the Australasia Cup for Pakistan. His last-ball six off Chetan Sharma in that match became etched in cricketing folklore and brought years of Pakistani dominance over India, particularly in Sharjah.
Miandad’s contributions go beyond his batting skills. He was Pakistan’s youngest captain and was known for his tactical intelligence on the field. Many credit him with playing a crucial role in decision-making as Imran Khan’s vice-captain. However, Miandad’s abrasive leadership style led to player revolts, limiting his captaincy opportunities. Nonetheless, his impact was undeniable and made Pakistan a force to be reckoned with.
After retiring as a player, Miandad took up coaching roles with the Pakistan team. Though results were mostly positive, his hands-on approach and constant bickering from players led to his eventual departure. Miandad briefly served as the director-general of the Pakistan Cricket Board but left the position due to differences over the scope of his role.
Despite the ups and downs of his coaching career, Miandad’s legacy as one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers remains intact. His immense contributions to the game, both as a player and a coach, have left an indelible mark on Pakistani cricket. His ability to adapt to any situation and his commitment to his team’s success make him a revered figure in cricketing history.
