Name: Imran Farhat

Birth date: 1982-05-20

Hometown: Lahore

Teams: Pakistan, Biman Bangladesh, Habib Bank Limited, ICL Pakistan XI, Lahore, Lahore Badshahs, Pakistan Reserves

Debut: 17th Feb 2001

ODI Best: 107 | 3-10

Test Best: 128 | 2-69

Imran Farhat is a left hand opening batsman and occasional left arm spin bowler. A ‘stop-start’ career for this dashing left handed opener who was given a number of opportunities at international level and recalled several times without long term success and consistency.

Imran despite being a wonderful strokemaker never really cemented his place in the Pakistan team and whilst very pleasing on the eye when in full flow, always had the tendency to self destruct playing a loose or irresponsible shot. His test average of 33 and ODI average of 30 dont do justice to a player who could have achieved a lot more at international level and was a very skilled exponent.

A very gifted strokemaker who at times resembled the great Saeed Anwar and who made it through the ranks having represented Pakistan at junior and under 19 levels. He was dropped from the ODI team following Pakistan's tour to South Africa and was left behind for the World Cup as well as the Abu Dhabi series against Sri Lanka and the short tour to Scotland.

Farhat, however, was awarded a central contract which he duly signed but was then released upon his request and went on to sign a contract with the Indian Cricket League. As with a number of other players, in 2009, Farhat decided to break ties with the ICL and make himself available for official cricket. Since coming back into the fold, Farhat has slotted straight into the Habib Bank Limited Squad and is back to performing at his best with some handy scores.

With the current state of openers in Pakistan not improving, Imran Farhat was rushed back into the Pakistani team in a tour to New Zealand in late 2009. He batted well and finished with a century. His good form continued in Australia and for a while it seems like Farhat and Butt may be the solution to Pakistan's opening dilema.