Birth date: 1980-03-01

Hometown: Sialkot, Punjab

Teams: Pakistan, Gujranwala Cricket Association, Habib Bank Limited, Sialkot, Sialkot Stallions, Punjab Stallions

Debut: Test: Oct 1-5, 2007 | ODI: Dec 7, 2006 | T20I: Feb 2, 2007

 

 

Uncharacteristically for a Pakistani bowler Abdur Rehman made his international debut at the relatively advanced age of 26, his introduction delayed largely due to the presence of leg-spinner Danish Kaneria in Pakistan's Test side.

His first major series came during South Africa's tour of Pakistan in 2007 where he took eight wickets on debut. However Pakistan lost the match and subsequently the series and he was sidelined for almost three years before being recalled against the same opposition, but this time in the UAE.

Since then he has been a regular in the Pakistan side, forming a pivotal partnership with Saeed Ajmal. His accurate left-arm bowling has ensured Pakistan are able to exert control over the flow of runs, allowing premier spinner Saeed Ajmal the freedom to utilise his variations.

The undoubted highlight of his career came against England in the UAE 2012. Ajmal claimed the plaudits, but Rehman's return of 19 wickets at 17 in the three-match series played a significant role in the whitewash of England. He was particularly impressive in the series-deciding second Test match, where he claimed career-best figures of 6/25.

Rehman also has over 50 limited overs caps, but his performances in the shorter formats has never reached the heights of those in Test matches. However, he has been selected by Pakistan in all of the major ICC tournaments since making his comeback, including the 2011 World Cup in India and 2010 ICC World T20.

In October 2012 he tested positive for a recreational drug and was banned for 12 weeks by the ECB whilst playing for Somerset, sidelining him for the 2012 World T20. He had been in top form for the county before his ban, taking 27 wickets at 14,18 in four Championship games for Somerset - including a career-best 9/65 against Worcestershire. He also skittled Nottinghamshire with an impressive combination of bounce and accuracy, taking 6/16 in the Clydesdale Bank40 against Nottinghamshire.

This county experience saw him contentiously preferred to Shahid Afridi in Pakistan's squad for the 2013 Champions Trophy. He remains part of Pakistan's squads in all formats as holds the reserve spinner slot behind Saeed Ajmal in Tests.

Returning from his 12 month ban after being tested positive from a banned substance, Rehman failed to impress at the national or domestic arena. He last played the 2 Test series against Sri Lanka away picking up 4 wickets in 2 matches and has been overlooked since then. With stiff competition from Zulfiqar Babar and Yasir Shah it looks quite difficult for him to make a return.

[Last updated: 15 June 2015]