Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal Razvi is a former professional cricketer who captained both the Pakistan national team and Kent County Cricket Club. After his playing days, he transitioned into a role as a match referee.

Early life and education

Asif Iqbal was born on 6 June 1943 in Hyderabad. He learned the fundamentals of cricket while living in Hyderabad, India. Because he is related to former India captain Ghulam Ahmed and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, he comes from a notable sporting lineage. Following his early training, he emigrated to Pakistan in 1961.

Career

Iqbal began his career as an all-rounder who batted right-handed and delivered right-arm medium pace. Although he initially opened the bowling with swing deliveries, he later concentrated on his batting. His batting style is specifically noted for its footwork and cavalier cover-driving. He played domestically for several teams, including Hyderabad, Karachi, Kent, National Bank of Pakistan and Pakistan International Airlines.

He made his Test match debut against Australia in Karachi during the 1964–1965 series. At that time, he batted at number 10. After developing back problems, Iqbal focused on his batting and gradually moved up the order. In 1967, he scored a maiden Test century of 146 runs against England at The Oval. This performance occurred while he was batting at number 9. He shared a ninth-wicket partnership with Intikhab Alam that set a Test record at the time.

According to Wisden, his century caused an amazing scene where hundreds of Pakistanis raced to the wicket to hoist him on their shoulders. The game stopped for 5 minutes until a squad of police rescued him from the crowd. In 1977, he participated in the World Series Cricket competition as a member of the World XI team. He captained Pakistan during the 1975 and 1979 Cricket World Cups. His leadership helped guide the team to the semi-finals in 1979.

During his tenure with Kent, he contributed to several major victories. The team won the County Championship and the Benson and Hedges Cup in 1978. He also secured the Benson and Hedges Cup in 1973 and 1976. Iqbal won the man of the match award for an all-round performance in the 1973 final. He was also named man of the match in the 1971 Gillette Cup final despite playing for the losing side.

Iqbal captained the Pakistan team during a six Test series against India in 1979/80. He eventually retired from Test cricket after playing 58 matches.

Personal life

Iqbal is married and currently resides in Kent. He has two sons, one of whom works as a businessman and a cricketer.

Awards and recognition

He was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1968. The provided records also list him as a recipient of the Pride of Performance award.