Rawalpindi-born allrounder Sohail Tanvir made his first-class debut against Peshawar in October 2004 and impressed in his second match, against Multan, in which he scored an unbeaten 97 and took three wickets.

He represented Pakistan Academy on their tour of Bangladesh in 2007 and his fine all-round performance on that tour and against Australia A in the ODI series at home prompted the selectors to name him as Shoaib Akhtar's replacement in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20.

Although not picked for the Test team, Tanvir was picked for the ODI series against South Africa. He also went on to record a stunning 6 for 14 for Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural IPL - then the best figures in a T20, before they were bettered by Arul Suppiah in 2011. However, a recurring knee injury, for which he required surgery, meant he was not a regular inclusion in Pakistan's squads.

With the advent of global T20 leagues, Tanvir's disguised pace variations and the illusion of wrong-footed action made him a sought-after purchase around the world. Although he represented Pakistan in all editions of the World T20, save the 2016 tournament, his inconsistency led to his axing from the national squads.

ESPNcricinfo staff