Majid Khan
Majid “Majestic” Khan, considered as one of the best in his career spanning 18 years went on to score 3,931 Test and 27,444 First-class runs.
Majid Khan’s Test career started about three years after his First-class debut. In 1964, Khan made his debut against Australia and managed to grab two crucial wickets in the first innings and one wicket in the second. His own debut with the bat couldn’t be fortunate as he was bowled leg-before for a duck. He did however, manage to get Bill Lawry’s wicket in both the innings, keeping Australia in the defense from the start and help Pakistan draw the game.
After his questionable start against Australia, Khan went on to become one of only six batsmen in the World to score a century before lunch on the first day of a Test match.
His 108* off 112 balls against the Kiwis is forever treasured in the eyes of those lucky enough to watch him play. Khan also has the accolade of scoring the first ODI century for Pakistan in the 1974 away match against England that Pakistan won thanks to his performance.
Majid Khan’s time with Glamorgan
Glamorgan signed Majid Khan in 1968 as an overseas player after recognizing his blitz against the County while he was playing for the Pakistanis during Pakistan’s 1967 tour.
Khan soon became a hero for Glamorgan and in 1972, he was awarded the Walter Lawrence Trophy for scoring the season’s fastest century.
Majid Khan went on to score 9,000 runs with 21 centuries for Glamorgan and captained the side for three years from 1973.
Majid Khan leading the Pakistan team
Khan’s stint as Pakistan captain was short as he led the team against England in 1973, drawing the 3-match series successfully. He was picked after his majestic performances for Glamorgan.
Remembered for his beautiful drives and hooks, Khan’s career ended in 1983. His final match was against India in Lahore. Majid Khan was dropped by his cousin, Imran Khan, a move that many say dented their relationship.
Post retirement, Majid Khan went on to become the CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board. He resigned after leveling match fixing allegations against Pakistan’s 1999 World Cup team that was captained by Wasim Akram and lost a one-sided final.
Three consecutive generations of Majid Khan’s family have played Test cricket for Pakistan. His cousins Javed Burki (also his brother-in-law) and Imran Khan, and his son Bazid Khan, all have played Test cricket.
| Test | First-class | ODI | List A |
Matches | 63 | 410 | 23 | 168 |
Runs | 3,931 | 27,444 | 786 | 4,441 |
Batting Avg. | 38.92 | 43.01 | 37.42 | 28.28 |
50s/100s | 19/8 | 128/73 | 7/1 | 31/2 |
Highest Score | 167 | 241 | 109 | 115 |
Balls Bowled | 3,584 | 7,168 | 658 | 2,817 |
Wickets | 27 | 223 | 13 | 71 |
Bowling Avg. | 53.92 | 32.14 | 28.76 | 22.67 |
5-wicket hauls | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
10 wickets in a match | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Best Bowling Figures | 4/45 | 6/67 | 3/27 | 5/24 |
Catches | 70 | 410 | 3 | 43 |