Javed Miandad, born on June 12, 1957, in Karachi, Pakistan, is a name synonymous with cricket excellence in Pakistan. Known for his unique style of batting and captaincy, Miandad is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers produced by Pakistan. His contributions to the game extend beyond his playing days, as he later became a coach, commentator, and an influential figure in the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Family Roots Javed Miandad was born into a family with roots in Palanpur, Gujarat, India. His father, Miandad Noor Mohammad, worked in the police department and was also involved in managing sports clubs in various cities in India. The family moved to Karachi, where Javed was born. He grew up in a family with a strong sporting background, as three of his brothers—Anwar, Sohail, and Bashir Miandad—played first-class cricket in Pakistan. His nephew, Faisal Iqbal, followed in his footsteps to become a Test cricketer.
Marriage and Controversial Links In 1981, Miandad married Tahira Saigol, and the couple has two sons and a daughter. His family became the subject of media attention when his son, Junaid Miandad, married Mahrukh Ibrahim, the daughter of the notorious Indian mafia figure, Dawood Ibrahim. Miandad clarified that the couple met while studying in the UK, downplaying any further controversies.
Religious Involvement Miandad also explored religious avenues when he recorded a na`at (Islamic hymn) for Geo TV in 2011. Although his rendition was well-received, he did not pursue this path further.
Rise to Fame: Test Career
Debut and Early Success Miandad made an impressive debut in Test cricket against New Zealand on October 9, 1976, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. At just 19 years old, he scored a century (163 runs) in his first match, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat. He also scored a double century in the same series, setting another record as the youngest player to score a double century in Test cricket. Miandad quickly established himself as an integral part of Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Consistent Performances Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Miandad was known for his consistent performances. He scored heavily against teams like Australia, England, and India. Notably, during Pakistan’s 1978-79 series against India, he scored 154 not out in Faisalabad, reaching 1,000 Test runs at the age of 21, becoming the second-youngest player to do so. His batting prowess played a crucial role in Pakistan’s success during this period.
Captaincy and Leadership Miandad was appointed as Pakistan’s captain for the first time in 1980. His tenure as captain was marked by both successes and challenges. He led Pakistan to victory in several series, including a memorable win against Australia in 1981. However, his captaincy was also marred by controversies, such as his altercation with Australian bowler Dennis Lillee during the 1981-82 series. Despite the challenges, Miandad’s leadership qualities were evident, and he continued to lead Pakistan with determination.
Memorable Moments
The Last-Ball Six Against India One of the most iconic moments in Miandad’s career came during the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup final in Sharjah. With Pakistan needing four runs off the last ball to win against India, Miandad hit a six off Chetan Sharma’s delivery, securing a historic victory for Pakistan. This moment is still celebrated as one of the greatest in cricket history and solidified Miandad’s status as a national hero.
1992 World Cup Triumph Miandad played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s victory in the 1992 ICC World Cup. His experience and calm demeanor under pressure were instrumental in guiding Pakistan to their first and only World Cup title. Although his personal performance in the tournament was not his best, his presence and leadership were invaluable to the team’s success.
Later Career and Retirement
Decline and Retirement As Miandad’s career progressed into the 1990s, his form began to decline. Despite a brilliant 153 not out against England in 1992, his overall performance started to wane. From then until his retirement, he struggled to maintain his earlier dominance, scoring 578 runs in 11 Tests with only four half-centuries. Miandad retired from Test cricket in 1996, having played 124 matches and scored 8,832 runs, a record for Pakistan at the time.
Records and Achievements Miandad’s Test career was marked by numerous records. He was the first player in history to score a century in both his first and 100th Test match. He held the record for the most Test centuries (23) and fifties (43) for Pakistan until they were broken by Inzamam-ul-Haq. Miandad’s batting average of 52.57 remains the highest for a Pakistani batsman. He also scored six double centuries, the most by any Pakistani player.
One-Day International Career
Early ODI Career Miandad made his One-Day International (ODI) debut during the 1975 Cricket World Cup against the West Indies. His ODI career spanned over two decades, during which he became known for his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Historic Performances One of his most memorable ODI innings came in 1982 against India, where he scored 119 not out off 77 balls at Gaddafi Stadium. However, it was his match-winning innings of 116 not out in the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup final that truly defined his ODI career. This innings not only secured the cup for Pakistan but also established Miandad as a clutch performer in limited-overs cricket.
Captaincy in ODIs Miandad captained Pakistan in 62 ODIs, winning 26 and losing 33. Although his leadership in ODIs was not as successful as in Tests, his contributions as a player remained significant. None of his ODI centuries came as captain, but his tactical acumen and experience were crucial in guiding younger players.
Coaching and Beyond
Coaching Stints After retiring from playing, Miandad transitioned into coaching. He served as the coach of the Pakistan cricket team on three separate occasions. His first stint as coach began in September 1998, during which Pakistan achieved significant victories, including a Test series win in India. However, his coaching career was also marked by controversies and challenges, leading to multiple resignations and reappointments.
Commentary and Contributions In addition to coaching, Miandad became a cricket commentator, sharing his insights and experiences with fans worldwide. His involvement in cricket continued through his work with the Pakistan Cricket Board, where he held various positions, contributing to the development of the sport in the country.
Legacy and Impact
Hall of Fame Induction In 2009, Javed Miandad was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of his immense contributions to the game. His legacy as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history is secure, and his influence on Pakistani cricket continues to be felt.
Inspiration for Future Generations Javed Miandad’s journey from a young, talented cricketer to a national icon is a story of determination, resilience, and passion for the game. His achievements on the field, particularly his ability to perform under pressure, have inspired countless young cricketers in Pakistan and around the world. Miandad’s name will forever be associated with some of the most memorable moments in cricket history, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
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Javed Miandad: A Legendary Cricketer and Coach
Javed Miandad, a legendary figure in Pakistani cricket, is renowned for his extraordinary contributions both as a player and as a coach. Over the years, Miandad has coached the Pakistan Cricket Team on three separate occasions, making him one of the few individuals to have held this position multiple times. This article delves into his coaching career, the successes he achieved, and the challenges he faced during his tenure.
First Tenure as Coach (1998-1999)
Initial Appointment and Successes
Javed Miandad was first appointed as the coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team in September 1998. His initial reign as coach was marked by significant achievements. Under his guidance, Pakistan managed to secure several important victories, particularly against arch-rivals India. In one of the most memorable series, Pakistan defeated India on their home soil in the Asian Test Championship, where the series ended in a 1-1 draw. This victory was a significant morale booster for the team.
Additionally, Pakistan won the tri-series in India, adding another feather to Miandad’s cap. The team also clinched the 1999 Sharjah Cup under his leadership in April. Miandad’s coaching methods seemed to be paying off, and Pakistan appeared to be on a winning streak.
Sudden Resignation
However, in a surprising turn of events, Miandad resigned from his coaching position in late April 1999, just before the 1999 Cricket World Cup. His resignation was unexpected and left many in the cricketing world puzzled. The reason for his sudden departure was never officially disclosed, leading to much speculation. Some sources suggested that the hiring of Richard Pybus as a technical coach and Sarfaraz Nawaz as a bowling coach may have played a role. Others hinted at possible unrest among senior players as a contributing factor.
Second Tenure as Coach (2000-2001)
Reappointment and Triumphs
In 2000, Javed Miandad was reappointed as the coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team after Moin Khan took over the captaincy from Saeed Anwar. During his second tenure, Miandad once again led the team to several victories. Pakistan won the Sharjah Cup in March 2000, followed by the Asia Cup in May-June of the same year. The team also emerged victorious in the West Indies tri-series and secured a Test series win in Sri Lanka.
Challenges and Dismissal
Despite these successes, Miandad’s second tenure was not without challenges. Pakistan lost the semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy under his coaching. Additionally, the team faced a significant setback when they lost the ODI series in New Zealand in April 2001. This loss, coupled with reports of match-fixing during the preceding Test series (which Pakistan drew after losing the third game), led to Miandad’s removal as coach. Moin Khan was also dismissed from his captaincy position around the same time.
