Zaheer Abbas, also known as the “Asian Bradman,” was born on July 24, 1947, in Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, particularly in the subcontinent. His elegant strokeplay, impeccable timing, and ability to dominate bowling attacks earned him accolades and admiration from cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Childhood:
Zaheer Abbas was born into a middle-class family in Sialkot, a city known for producing several cricketing talents. From a young age, he displayed a natural flair for cricket, often playing with makeshift equipment on the streets and fields of his neighborhood. His early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for his future success.
Young Age:
As a teenager, Zaheer Abbas attended Islamia College in Sialkot, where he continued to hone his cricketing skills. He excelled in school cricket and caught the attention of selectors with his exceptional talent. Despite facing financial constraints, Zaheer’s passion for the game remained undiminished, and he persevered in pursuit of his cricketing dreams.
Professional Life:
Zaheer Abbas made his debut in first-class cricket for Sialkot in 1966, where he showcased his batting prowess with impressive performances. His elegant style and prolific run-scoring soon earned him a call-up to the Pakistan national cricket team in 1969.
He made his international debut for Pakistan in a Test match against New Zealand in 1969. Zaheer’s performances in Test cricket were extraordinary, and he quickly established himself as a batting maestro. His ability to play both pace and spin with equal ease made him a formidable opponent for any bowling attack.
One of Zaheer Abbas’s most memorable achievements came during the 1971 Test series against England, where he scored back-to-back centuries in the second and third Tests. His performances played a crucial role in Pakistan’s historic series victory over England, earning him widespread acclaim.
Throughout his international career, Zaheer Abbas achieved numerous milestones and set several records. He scored over 5,000 runs in Test cricket, including 12 centuries, and over 2,500 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He also became the first batsman to score three consecutive centuries in ODIs, a feat he achieved in 1982.
Off the field, Zaheer Abbas was known for his modesty, humility, and sportsmanship. He served as captain of the Pakistan cricket team from 1981 to 1985 and later as the team’s coach and selector.
In addition to his contributions to cricket, Zaheer Abbas also had a successful career in administration, serving as the president of the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2015 to 2016.
In conclusion, Zaheer Abbas’s journey from a talented youngster in Sialkot to becoming one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history is a testament to his talent, hard work, and perseverance. He will forever be remembered as a true legend of the sport and an inspiration to cricketers around the world.
