Wasim Akram

A left-arm fast bowler who could swing the ball both ways at will, Wasim Akram didn't merely lead Pakistan's attack; he redefined the art of swing bowling in the 1990s. Discovered by Javed Miandad and brought on under Imran Khan, he mastered reverse swing until the old ball became as dangerous in his hand as the new one. His toe-crushing yorkers in the death overs tormented tailenders and top-order batsmen alike. He captured 414 Test and 502 ODI wickets, retiring as the leading wicket-taker in one-day history, and his two deliveries to bowl Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis in the 1992 World Cup final helped secure Pakistan's first world title.

Akram's captaincy was often as dramatic as his bowling, taking in the tense 1999 Test series in India and a World Cup final appearance the same year, along with recurring controversy off the field. His influence stretched well beyond his playing days: he formed a fearsome partnership with Waqar Younis, mentored Shoaib Akhtar and later generations of Pakistani quicks, and moved into coaching and commentary, sharing his swing knowledge worldwide. Bowlers from Mohammad Amir to left-armers across the globe cite his example. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009, confirmation of a standing few fast bowlers have matched.