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Sohail Tanvir

Sohail Tanvir with a native eagle in the UAE
Sohail Tanvir with a native eagle in the UAE Image: Wikimedia Commons. Sophmaroc / CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

Sohail Tanvir (Urdu: سہیل تنویر; born 12 December 1984) is a Pakistani cricketer known for his unorthodox left-arm fast-medium bowling action and his success in the Twenty20 format of the game. A bowling all-rounder, he has represented Pakistan across formats and has played in several franchise leagues around the world.

Key facts

Full name Sohail Tanvir
Date of birth 12 December 1984
Nationality Pakistani
Bowling style Left-arm, unorthodox action
Role Bowling all-rounder
Major team honour 2009 ICC World Twenty20 winner with Pakistan
IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals
PSL franchises Multan Sultans, Quetta Gladiators
CPL franchises Guyana Amazon Warriors, Saint Lucia Zouks

Background

Tanvir came to international attention for his distinctive bowling action, in which he delivers the ball off the wrong foot. The unusual technique, combined with pace variations and a sharp yorker, has made him a notable performer in limited-overs cricket and particularly in the Twenty20 format.

International career

Tanvir made his Test debut for Pakistan in 2007. In a 2020 interview, he described his Test debut wicket of Rahul Dravid in Delhi as the "ball of his life", recalling that the delivery pitched outside leg stump and shattered Dravid's off stump.

He was a member of the Pakistan squad that won the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, the country's first global title in the shortest format.

Franchise career

Indian Premier League

Tanvir played for the Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural 2008 edition of the Indian Premier League. He was the first recipient of the Purple Cap, awarded to the leading wicket-taker of the tournament. His best figures of 6 for 14, recorded in that season, stood as the best bowling performance in IPL history for over a decade.

Caribbean Premier League

In the Caribbean Premier League, Tanvir produced figures of 5 for 3 for the Guyana Amazon Warriors against Barbados in the 2017 edition, among the most economical five-wicket hauls in the tournament's history. Playing for the Saint Lucia Zouks at the Daren Sammy Stadium, he also struck an 18-ball half-century, which included three consecutive sixes off Kieron Pollard.

Pakistan Super League

In the Pakistan Super League, Tanvir has represented the Multan Sultans and the Quetta Gladiators.

Significance

Tanvir is regarded as one of the more prolific bowling all-rounders in the global Twenty20 circuit, valued for his economical bowling and effective lower-order hitting. His unorthodox action and yorker-led style have made him a sought-after performer in franchise competitions across multiple countries.

References