In September 2014, Majid Haq passed 200 caps for Scotland before his 32nd birthday. He became only the second Scot to reach the landmark, after Craig Wright, and their most capped player in ODI cricket. Haq immediately celebrated by taking his maiden ODI five-wicket haul in a victory over Ireland. It was fitting reward for more than a decade's sterling service, during which Haq has established himself as one of the craftiest spinners beyond the Test world. He has performed reliably during Scotland's limited matches against Test opposition, taking 4-28 in a narrow defeat to the West Indies in 2007.

Born in Paisley in the west Lowlands, Haq is of Pakistani descent. He grew up playing with his cousin, Omer Hussain, who also had a brief Scotland career. Haq's promise was immediately recognised, and he played for a number of Scottish age-group sides before making his full debut at the age of 19.

An aggressive left-handed batsman, Haq was used as a pinch-hitter by Scotland in 2006/07 but, while he made three half-centuries opening, he struggled in the role in the 2007 World Cup. He has since reverted to being a useful lower-order batsman, and hit his maiden first-class century in the Intercontinental Cup match against the Netherlands in 2011.

For much of his career Haq has battled weight issues, and fitness concerns are seen as a reason why he has never earned a county contract, although Warwickshire were interested in signing him in 2008. But he has benefited from Cricket Scotland introducing professional contracts, and has been a full-time cricketer since 2010. Haq is a graduate of the University of Paisley, where he studied Accountancy.
ESPNcricinfo staff