Waqar Younis Maitla, a legendary figure in cricket, captivated audiences worldwide. Born on November 16, 1971, he soared to fame as a Pakistani cricket coach and commentator.
Notably, Younis led the Pakistan national team as its captain. His right-arm fast bowling, revered globally, cements him as one of cricket’s finest. Previously, he masterminded strategies as the Pakistani team’s head coach.
Key Takeaways
Hide- Pioneering Fast Bowler: Waqar Younis is renowned for his reverse swing bowling and fast pace, earning him global acclaim.
- Youngest Test Captain: He made history as Pakistan's youngest Test captain at 22.
- Hall of Fame Inductee: Waqar was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2013.
- Coaching Career: Post-retirement, he contributed significantly as a coach for the Pakistan team.
- Commentary Role: Waqar also made his mark as a sports commentator, sharing his expertise on various networks.
- Controversial Remarks: He stirred controversy in 2021 with his comments after a Pakistan-India match.
- Resilient Career: Despite challenges, including a brief suspension and conflicts, Waqar's dedication to cricket remained steadfast.
Youthful Triumph: Waqar’s Record-Breaking Captaincy
Younis, a prodigy in cricket, etched his name in history as Pakistan’s youngest Test captain at 22 years and 15 days, ranking fourth worldwide.
His illustrious career spanned from 1989 to 2003, featuring 87 Tests and 262 ODIs. His skill in reverse swinging the ball at high speeds became his signature move.
Accumulating 373 Test wickets and 416 ODI wickets, Younis, alongside Wasim Akram, terrified batsmen globally.
Impressively, he boasts the second-best strike rate for bowlers with over 350 Test wickets, trailing only behind Dale Steyn.
From Punjab to Pace: The Waqar Younis Journey
Born in Punjab’s Vehari district, Waqar Younis hailed from a vibrant Punjabi Jat family. He embarked on his educational journey at Sadiq Public School in Bahawalpur.
Later, he attended the Pakistan Islamia school in Sharjah and the Government College in Burewala.
Raised in the bustling city of Sharjah, UAE, Waqar’s father worked there as a contract worker. This move marked a pivotal turn in his life.
Sharjah Days: A Cradle for Talent
During his stay in Sharjah, Waqar’s passion for cricket ignited. As a teen, he honed his skills, regularly journeying back to Burewala to play cricket.
His exceptional pace soon earned him the nickname “Burewala Express”. Beyond cricket, he showcased his athleticism in school and college.
He excelled in running, javelin, high jump, and pole vaulting. Initially a leg-spinner, Waqar eventually shifted his focus to pace bowling.
Family Life: A Blend of Cultures
Since 2000, Waqar has shared his life with Faryal, a Pakistani-Australian doctor. The couple, along with their two daughters and a son, have made their home in Castle Hill, New South Wales, Australia.
Their life is a beautiful blend of Pakistani and Australian cultures. Waqar Younis has also made a mark in the world of sports broadcasting.
He has lent his insights as a television sports commentator for Australia’s Nine Network and UAE’s Ten Sports. This role allowed him to share his rich cricketing experiences with a global audience.
The Early Days of Waqar Younis
Waqar Younis kickstarted his cricket journey in Pakistan during 1987/88, showcasing his skills in various first-class clubs. Tragically, he lost his left hand’s little finger in a canal accident.
Undeterred, Waqar bounced back, catching the eye of Pakistan’s then-captain, Imran Khan. His selection for the national side came as a surprise, with only six first-class games under his belt.
Recalling the twist of fate, Waqar recounts how Imran Khan, initially absent due to illness, spotted his talent during a televised match.
The next day, an encounter with Khan not only left Waqar awestruck but also with news of his selection for a tournament in Sharjah.
Domestic Dominance: Waqar’s English Adventure
Waqar’s prowess reached English shores in the early 1990s during his stint with Surrey. Amassing 113 wickets in just 582 overs in 1991, he dominated the season’s first-class bowling averages.
His exceptional skill carried Surrey’s moderate attack, marking him as a top-tier bowler. Later, his stellar performances continued with Glamorgan, leading to their English County Championship victory in 1997.
A memorable highlight was his 7 wickets for 25 against Lancashire, which included a near-miss hat-trick, summing up a season with a whopping 68 wickets.
International Impact: Waqar’s Global Cricketing Journey
Younis debuted internationally for Pakistan against India in November 1989, sharing the stage with Sachin Tendulkar’s debut.
He made an immediate mark, taking four wickets, including those of Tendulkar and Kapil Dev. Known as “Wiki” and the “Burewala Express,” Waqar’s speed made headlines.
Alongside Wasim Akram, he formed a formidable bowling duo for Pakistan. His peak saw him achieve a hat-trick against New Zealand in 1994.
However, the early 2000s brought challenges, including a brief suspension and conflicts with Akram.
Captaincy and Controversy: Waqar’s Leadership Era
Waqar’s cricketing saga took a turn when he became Pakistan’s captain. This period was marred by ball-tampering allegations and other controversies.
In July 2000, he faced a ban and a fine for ball tampering, a first in cricket history. The 2003 World Cup brought further trials, with Waqar facing discipline for bowling a beamer at Andrew Symonds.
Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament led him to relinquish captaincy and eventually exit international cricket.
Concluding his nearly 15-year career in April 2004, Waqar stood as Pakistan’s second highest Test cricket wicket-taker with 373 wickets.
Waqar’s Coaching Chronicles: The Early Years
Waqar Younis, a name synonymous with cricket excellence, embarked on his coaching journey with the Pakistan team in March 2006.
Initially, his role as a bowling coach was short-lived; he resigned in January 2007, voicing his displeasure with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decisions.
Despite these challenges, Waqar’s passion for cricket shone through. In December 2009, he made a comeback as the bowling and fielding coach for Pakistan’s tour of Australia.
The 2010 World T20 Saga
In February 2010, Waqar Younis ascended to the role of head coach. His first major test was leading Pakistan in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20.
Despite missing key players, Waqar’s leadership saw Pakistan reach the semi-finals. They were eventually outplayed by Australia, in a nail-biting finish featuring Mike Hussey’s remarkable batting.
Triumphs and Tribulations: The England Tour
Following the World T20, Pakistan embarked on a challenging tour of England. They faced both highs and lows, including a historic Test victory against Australia.
However, this tour was marred by a spot-fixing scandal involving key players. This event cast a shadow over the team, leading to significant defeats in subsequent matches.
The Coaching Carousel Continues
Waqar Younis continued to navigate the ups and downs of coaching. His tenure saw Pakistan’s cricket team evolve through various tournaments and challenges.
Despite personal and professional hurdles, Waqar’s commitment to the sport remained unwavering.
The 2016 T20 World Cup Controversy
The 2016 ICC World Twenty20 brought forth new challenges for Waqar Younis. Pakistan’s performance fell short of expectations, leading to intense scrutiny and criticism.
Waqar’s frank assessment of the team’s shortcomings stirred controversy, especially his critique of player Shahid Afridi.
The Final Overs: Waqar’s Resignation
Waqar Younis’s coaching journey with the Pakistan team reached a pivotal moment on April 4, 2016.
Frustrated with the cricket board’s indifference to his recommendations and the leak of a confidential report, he resigned.
Waqar emphasized his dedication to Pakistani cricket, leaving his position with a heavy heart and a call for better management in the sport.
Celebrating a Cricket Legend: Waqar Younis’ Hall of Fame Induction
On December 9, 2013, Waqar Younis etched his name in cricket history. He became the 70th male inductee into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame.
Notably, he joined cricketing legends like Hanif Mohammad, Zaheer Abbas, and former teammates Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, and Wasim Akram.
During his induction, Waqar expressed deep gratitude, remarking, “It’s a huge honour for me, I’m truly grateful to the people who’ve considered me worthy of such an honour.”
Waqar Younis: A Controversy Stirred by Religious Rhetoric
In 2021, after Pakistan’s historic win over India in the T20 World Cup, Waqar Younis made a statement that sparked widespread debate. He commented, “watching Rizwan do namaz in front of Hindus was very special.”
This remark led to an uproar in both Pakistan and India. Realizing the impact, Waqar soon apologized for his controversial comment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the notable achievements of Waqar Younis in international cricket?
Waqar Younis is celebrated for his 373 Test wickets and 416 ODI wickets, making him one of cricket’s finest fast bowlers. He is especially renowned for his skill in reverse swinging the ball at high speeds.
How did Waqar Younis contribute to cricket after his playing career?
Post-retirement, Waqar took up coaching, leading the Pakistan cricket team and serving as a bowling and fielding coach. He also ventured into sports broadcasting, offering insights as a commentator.
What was the controversy involving Waqar Younis in 2021?
In 2021, Waqar Younis faced backlash for a comment he made about a player performing namaz during a match. His statement created an uproar in India and Pakistan, leading him to apologize later.
