Birth date: 1980-12-01

Hometown: Khanewal, Punjab

Teams: Pakistan, Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan, Islamabad Cricket Association, Surrey, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, Islamabad Leopards

Debut: ODI: Sep 30, 2004 | Test: Apr 3-5, 2006 | T20I: Sep 2, 2007

 

 

Not in the typical mould of famed Pakistani fast bowlers, Rao Iftikhar Anjum’s nonchalant approach and quiet effectiveness meant that he became a mainstay of the ODI side between 2005 and 2008. At a time when more prominent bowlers were either injured or suspended, Iftikhar had been establishing his role as a consistent middle overs bowler, primarily used to restrict the flow of runs, building pressure and breaking partnerships. 

Match winning performance were rare but likewise were spells where the batsmen would take complete control of the game and this quality of his used to win him favour with the selectors. Although he was a medium pacer, even on the rather placid sub-continent tracks Iftikhar's bowling style, particularly on breaking surfaces, made him difficult to put away. He looked to cramp the batsman for room and his off-cutters were particularly difficult to face with the wearing ball in contrast to his stock outswing delivery..

Iftikhar, who made his debut in 2004 after a strong domestic performance, was primarily seen as a back-up bowler in his early days in international cricket and his appearances over the next few years were limited to a handful of ODI matches and a solitary Test in Sri Lanka, where his performances were rather forgettable. However, from 2006 onwards, Iftikhar became a permanent fixture in the side with the prolonged absence of the likes of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif and the unavailability of Rana Naved and Mohammad Sami (owing to the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League). As a result, his wicket-taking ability was seen to grow with the extra responsibility of being a permanent front-line bowler.

Iftikhar proved to be only a stop gap solution as Pakistan searched for their next batch of match winning quicks. With the introduction of SohailTanvir and Mohammad Amir as well as the comback of Mohammad Asif, Iftikhar was gradually pushed to the sidelines before being dropped fromthe squad altogether. He last played for Pakistan against Australia at Perth in January 2010 where he picked up 1 for 39 in 9.2 overs and has been overlooked since.

 

Last updated on: 14 June 2015