Javed Akhtar (Pakistani cricketer and international umpire)
Pakistani off-spinner who played one Test in 1962, had notable first-class success, and later stood as an international umpire in 18 Tests and 40 ODIs from 1980–1999.
Overview
Javed Akhtar (21 November 1940 – 8 July 2016) was a Pakistani cricketer and cricket umpire. As a player he was an off-spin bowler who made a single Test appearance for Pakistan in 1962. He later developed a long career as an international umpire, standing in Tests and One Day Internationals across two decades. For a concise player profile see career summary.
Image gallery
1 ImagePlaying career
Akhtar's international playing career was brief: he appeared in one Test match in 1962 and did not take a wicket in that game. At the domestic first-class level he was considerably more successful, finishing with a bowling average reported to be around 18.17. He bowled as an off spinner and was regarded for his accuracy and ability to extract turn in favorable conditions. More match-level details are available at first-class records and his Test appearance is documented at match archive.
Umpiring career
After retiring from playing, Akhtar moved into umpiring and became one of Pakistan's regular international match officials. Between 1980 and 1999 he stood in 18 Test matches and 40 One Day Internationals, a span that placed him in many high-profile fixtures and tours. His transition from player to umpire illustrates a common pathway in cricket where former players continue contributing through officiating. See umpiring statistics at umpire records.
Legacy and distinctions
While Javed Akhtar's international playing record was limited, his strong first-class numbers and lengthy umpiring tenure made him a familiar figure in Pakistani cricket for several decades. He represented his country as a player and later as an official associated with the Pakistan national side; general information about the team context can be found at Pakistan cricket overview. He is not to be confused with other public figures who share his name.
Quick facts
- Born: 21 November 1940
- Died: 8 July 2016
- Role: Off-spin bowler; later international umpire
- International playing: 1 Test (1962)
- Umpiring: 18 Tests and 40 ODIs (1980–1999)
For further reading and match-by-match records consult the linked profiles and archives above: profile, domestic records, Test match details, team context, and umpiring history.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Javed Akhtar (Pakistani cricketer and international umpire) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/49647
Sources
- espncricinfo.com : "Former Pakistan Test player and umpire Javed Akhtar dies"
- espncricinfo.com : "Javed Akhtar"