A lively swing bowler Saleem Altaf was born on 19 April 1944. The lanky tall fast bowler who can bring nightmares to opponent batsmen during his playing days Saleem Altaf went on to represent Pakistan 21 times in a test and he also played 6 matches for his country. He was also a handy lower order batsman who can chip in with useful runs for the team. He has also got two fifties under his belt.
Bowling Averages of Saleem Altaf
| Mat | Inns | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | 5w | 10 | |
| Tests | 21 | 39 | 1710 | 46 | 4/11 | 7/131 | 37.17 | 2.56 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 6 | 6 | 151 | 5 | 2/7 | 2/7 | 30.2 | 3.17 | 0 | 0 |
| First-class | 143 | – | 9578 | 336 | 7/69 | – | 28.5 | 8 | 1 | |
| List A | 20 | – | 539 | 32 | 5/67 | 5/67 | 16.84 | 3.02 | 1 | 0 |
Like other Pakistani medium pacers, he also got the better average in overseas conditions and he is also one of the major reasons for Pakistan’s good show overseas during the 1970s. The right-handed fast medium bowler was heralded as the major pace spearhead for England’s tour in 1967 but missed out the tour due to a shoulder injury. He officially got retired from all forms of the cricket in 1978 and played domestic cricket for Karachi team for a few years before hanging his boots.
Then he becomes the selector of Pakistan’s national cricket team in 2005 and also become the director of operations for Pakistan cricket board during 2004-2006. He then promoted to director of special projects and actively involved in cricketing administrations until 2008.
Later he was dismissed by the chairmen of Pakistan cricket board over his allegations in leaking a secret mail seeking an explanation for Pakistan’s heavy loss against India in 2008. His best bowling figures at test cricket came against England in 1071 where he took on the English middle order by picking 4/11. He also took a hat-trick against might west Indies in 1977. He was rare spices in fast bowling arena with good swing and pace that can trouble any kinds of batsmen, especially in a new ball. The will be highly remembered for his excellent performance in Australia and West Indies series during 1976-1977.
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