Junaid Khan – Pakistan’s Left-Arm Pace Sensation

Introduction

Junaid Khan is a former Pakistani left-arm fast bowler known for his ability to swing the ball both ways. He was a key part of Pakistan’s pace attack from 2011 to 2019, delivering match-winning performances in all formats. A highlight of his career was being part of the Pakistan squad that won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. His sharp swing, consistent line and length, and ability to bowl in tough conditions made him a valuable asset for the national team. Junaid also played for various T20 leagues worldwide, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), English County Cricket, and Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Here, you will find everything about Junaid Khan, including his stats, career milestones, and latest updates.

Junaid Khan – Quick Facts

Attribute Details Full Name Mohammad Junaid Khan Born 24 December 1989 (Age 35) Birthplace Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Nickname Jonii Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) Batting Style Right-handed Bowling Style Left-arm fast Role Bowler National Team Pakistan (2011–2019) PSL Teams Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans Notable Achievement Part of Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy-winning squad

Career Statistics

Format Matches Wickets Bowling Avg Best Bowling Economy Rate 5-Wicket Hauls Test 22 71 31.73 5/38 3.34 5 ODI 76 110 29.23 4/12 5.35 0 T20I 9 8 29.50 3/24 7.29 0 First-Class 89 350 24.51 7/46 3.01 21

Early Life

Junaid Khan was born on 24 December 1989 in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Unlike many cricketers, he did not have an early interest in the sport. However, he showed natural pace when playing tape-ball cricket. His cousin introduced him to hard-ball cricket, and soon, he started playing for local teams. At 16, he was recognized as the fastest bowler in the NWFP Twenty20 competition. He attended Under-17 trials in Abbottabad, where Ehteshamuddin, a former Pakistan cricketer, noticed his talent. This moment changed Junaid’s life as he was guided towards professional cricket. Soon, he was playing at the domestic level, marking the beginning of a promising career.

Domestic Career

Junaid made his First-Class debut on 24 January 2007 for Abbottabad against Multan. His first wicket was Majid Majeed, and he finished the match with 4 wickets for 57 runs. For the next four years, he was a consistent wicket-taker for Abbottabad, becoming their strike bowler. He also played for Abbottabad Falcons in the Faysal Bank T20 tournament. His success earned him a spot in Pakistan A, where he played against Sri Lanka A in 2010. He was the team’s leading wicket-taker in that series, proving his ability at the higher level. He also played County Cricket for Lancashire, learning from Wasim Akram and improving his skills in English conditions.

International Career

Debut Matches

• Test Debut: 1 September 2011 vs Zimbabwe • ODI Debut: 23 April 2011 vs West Indies • T20I Debut: 21 April 2011 vs West Indies

Key Achievements

• Part of Pakistan’s 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning squad • Pakistan’s top bowler in multiple bilateral ODI series • Took a 5-wicket haul in his first Test series • Defended 9 runs in the final over against South Africa in Port Elizabeth, securing a 1-run win

Test Career

Junaid made his Test debut in 2011 against Zimbabwe, where he impressed with his control and swing. His major breakthrough came against Sri Lanka in 2011, where he took 12 wickets in 3 Tests, including his first five-wicket haul (5/38). He continued to perform well in Test cricket but injuries hampered his career. His last Test was in 2014 against Sri Lanka. ODI & T20I Career Junaid played 76 ODIs, taking 110 wickets at an average of 29.23. His best ODI performance was 4/12 against Ireland. One of his best performances came against India in 2012, where he dismissed Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, and Yuvraj Singh, helping Pakistan win the match. In T20Is, he played 9 matches and took 8 wickets, with his best figures being 3/24.

PSL & Franchise Cricket

Junaid Khan has played for multiple T20 leagues worldwide, proving his value as a top fast bowler. Team League Years Peshawar Zalmi PSL 2016–2017 Multan Sultans PSL 2018–Present Lancashire English County 2011, 2014, 2017 Middlesex English County 2015 Khulna Titans BPL 2016–2017 Barbados Tridents CPL 2018 Rangpur Riders BPL 2019/20 Junaid was also a key player for Lancashire, where he took 12 wickets in just 8 matches in 2011.

Junaid Khan – Records & Milestones

Record Details

Best Test Bowling Figures 5/38 vs Sri Lanka Best ODI Bowling Figures 4/12 vs Ireland Highest Wicket-Taker in 2013 ODI Series vs South Africa 13 wickets in 5 matches Played in Three Major T20 Leagues PSL, BPL, CPL Helped Pakistan Win the 2017 Champions Trophy Part of the winning squad

Why Was Junaid Khan So Important for Pakistan?

Junaid Khan was one of Pakistan’s most promising fast bowlers after Wasim Akram and Mohammad Amir. 1. Swing Master He could swing the ball both ways, making him deadly in seaming conditions. 2. Reliable Strike Bowler He often took early wickets, putting Pakistan in strong positions. 3. T20 League Star He performed well in PSL, BPL, and County Cricket, showcasing his skills globally. 4. Clutch Performances Against India & South Africa Junaid delivered key spells against India in 2012 and South Africa in 2013, proving his big-match temperament. Even after retiring, he remains active in cricket as a coach and selector.

Junaid Khan Latest News & Updates

Stay updated on Junaid Khan’s latest coaching roles, cricket analysis, and career moves: Part of Pakistan’s selection committee for junior teams Coaching fast bowlers in Pakistan’s domestic setup Possible return to T20 leagues as a mentor Check out the Latest News on Junaid Khan! Junaid Khan remains one of Pakistan’s finest left-arm pacers. His ability to swing the ball, bowl in tough conditions, and perform in big matches makes him a standout bowler in Pakistan’s cricket history.