Sporting superstars : Majid Khan: Pakistan's imperious opener - Career HLs & video

 

Majid Jahangir Khan, born on September 28, 1946, in Ludhiana, British India, was one of Pakistan’s most elegant and accomplished cricketers. Known for his stylish batting and composed demeanor, he was a key player for Pakistan during the 1960s and 1970s. Majid hailed from a cricketing family—his father Jahangir Khan played for India, and his cousin Imran Khan would go on to become one of Pakistan's greatest cricketers.

Style of Play

Majid Khan was known for his grace, elegance, and classical batting technique. A right-handed batsman, he possessed a wide range of strokes, particularly strong through the covers and on the backfoot. Majid could adjust his game to suit different conditions, capable of playing both solid defensive innings and flamboyant, attacking strokes when needed.

His adaptability was one of his defining traits, making him successful against both pace and spin bowling. Although he was known for his patient and technically correct approach, Majid could shift gears and play aggressive cricket, as seen in several of his memorable innings. He also occasionally bowled medium pace early in his career, making him a useful all-round option.

Career Highlights in Detail

Test Career

Majid Khan made his Test debut for Pakistan on March 24, 1964, against Australia in Karachi. Over the course of his career, he played 63 Test matches, amassing 3,931 runs at an average of 38.92, with 8 centuries and 19 fifties.  Probably his final test record doesnt quite reflect his true talent & abilty .

First Pakistani to Score a Century Before Lunch: One of Majid’s most famous achievements came against New Zealand in Karachi in 1976, when he became the first Pakistani batsman to score a century before lunch on the first day of a Test match. His quickfire 108 off 112 balls remains one of the fastest Test centuries, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers when needed.

Notable Test Innings:

167 vs West Indies (1977): On a fast and bouncy Kingston pitch, Majid Khan played one of his finest innings, scoring 167 against a formidable West Indian bowling attack. This innings demonstrated his ability to play pace bowling with confidence.

135 vs England (1971): In the Leeds Test, Majid played a key role in helping Pakistan secure a famous victory over England, scoring 135 in the first innings, one of his most cherished performances.

Captaincy: Majid also briefly captained Pakistan, though his stint as captain was short-lived due to his mild temperament. He led Pakistan in 3 Test matches, but his leadership was overshadowed by the rise of Imran Khan.

ODI Career

Majid Khan’s One-Day International career was shorter compared to his Test tenure, as limited-overs cricket was still evolving during his playing days. He played 23 ODIs, scoring 786 runs at an average of 37.42, including one century and four fifties. He would have been an absolute superstar in ODI cricket had he played more of it. 

First Pakistani Century in ODIs: Majid became the first Pakistani to score a century in One-Day Internationals when he made 109 against England at Trent Bridge in 1974. His aggressive knock was significant in the context of the early days of ODI cricket and showed his versatility as a batsman.

First-Class Record

Majid Khan’s first-class career spanned over two decades, during which he played for teams like Lahore, Glamorgan (England), and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He was a prolific run-scorer in domestic and county cricket.

First-Class Matches: Majid played 410 first-class matches, amassing 27,444 runs at an impressive average of 43.82. He scored 73 centuries and 129 fifties.

His performances in county cricket, particularly for Glamorgan, were outstanding. He was a key figure for the county in the 1970s, admired for his elegance and consistency.

Major International Series

Majid Khan was a key player in several significant international series for Pakistan:

1971 Tour of England: Majid played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s historic victory in the series against England, particularly with his century at Leeds.

1976–77 Series vs Australia and West Indies: His performances during Pakistan’s tours of Australia and the West Indies in the mid-1970s highlighted his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and face world-class fast bowling.

Legacy

Majid Khan’s legacy in cricket is defined by his elegance and technical proficiency. His contribution to Pakistan cricket goes beyond statistics—he brought a level of sophistication and grace to the game that few others could match. Known for his humility and calm demeanor, Majid played a significant role in the development of Pakistani cricket during a crucial period in its history.

1. Inspiration for Future Generations: Majid inspired a generation of cricketers, particularly in Pakistan. His elegant style and ability to succeed in challenging conditions set a standard for future players. His cousin, Imran Khan, often cited Majid as a role model during his early cricketing career.

2. Influence in County Cricket: His contributions to Glamorgan made him a beloved figure in Welsh cricket, where he was admired for both his performances and his sportsmanship. Majid played a key role in promoting Pakistan cricket abroad and strengthening ties between Pakistani and county cricket.

3. Role in World Series Cricket: Majid Khan was also part of World Series Cricket (WSC), the revolutionary tournament organized by Kerry Packer in the late 1970s. His involvement in WSC brought attention to the growing influence of commercial interests in the sport and allowed players greater financial opportunities.

4. Post-Retirement: After his retirement, Majid remained involved in cricket administration and served as the CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He has been an advocate for maintaining the integrity of the sport and upholding traditional values in cricket.

In summary, Majid Khan is remembered as one of Pakistan’s finest and most stylish batsmen. His grace, adaptability, and significant achievements in both Test and ODI cricket earned him a special place in cricket history. His contributions to the development of Pakistan cricket, his leadership, and his timeless elegance at the crease continue to inspire cricketers across generations.

In the below video , watch Majid's imperious  stroke filled 109 vs England at Trent Bridge .