Imran Farhat was a stylish left‑handed opening batter for Pakistan, active in international cricket between 2001 and 2013. Known for his aggressive stroke play and resemblance to Saeed Anwar’s batting style, Farhat was seen as a solution to Pakistan’s long‑standing opening conundrum. Despite flashes of brilliance, inconsistency limited his career at the highest level.
Personal Profile
- Full Name: Imran Farhat
- Born: 20 May 1982, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
- Age: 43 years (as of 2026)
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
- Batting Style: Left‑handed
- Bowling Style: Legbreak
- Role: Top‑order batter
- Nicknames: Romi
- Relations: Humayun Farhat (brother), Mohammad Ilyas (father‑in‑law)
- Domestic/Franchise Teams: Pakistan, Lahore Badshahs (ICL), Lahore Lions, Habib Bank Limited, Biman Bangladesh, Uthura Rudras, Sagittarius Strikers, Balochistan, Lahore Shalimar
Imran Farhat Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s/50s | Highest Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 40 | 2,400 | 32.0 | 3/14 | 128 | |
| ODIs | 58 | 1,719 | 30.7 | 1/13 | 107 | |
| T20Is | 7 | 76 | 10.9 | 0/0 | 19 | |
| First‑Class | 156 | 11,021 | 42.3 | 27/47 | 176 | |
| List A | 173 | 5,770 | 36.3 | 13/28 | 139 |
Career Highlights
- International Debut: ODI debut vs New Zealand (Feb 2001); Test debut vs New Zealand (Mar 2001).
- Memorable Innings: Scored 128 in Tests and 107 in ODIs, showing glimpses of world‑class ability.
- Domestic Success: Amassed over 11,000 first‑class runs with 27 centuries, proving his consistency at the domestic level.
- ICL Stint: Played for Lahore Badshahs in the Indian Cricket League (2007–08).
- Career Span: Represented Pakistan until 2013, with his last ODI against South Africa.
Style of Play
- Batting: Aggressive left‑hander, strong on cuts and drives, often compared to Saeed Anwar for flair.
- Temperament: Cavalier in approach, which sometimes led to inconsistency at the international level.
- Fielding: Reliable in the outfield.
Legacy
Imran Farhat’s career is remembered as one of promise and partial fulfillment. While he never fully cemented his place in Pakistan’s batting lineup, his domestic record and flashes of brilliance at the international stage underline his talent. His story reflects the challenges Pakistan faced in finding stable openers during the 2000s.
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