In the long and storied history of Pakistan cricket, there are players whose careers were short-lived but carried immense promise. One such cricketer is Atiq-uz-Zaman, a right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper, who made his debut in the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka at Peshawar in March 2000.
In his first innings, Atiq managed only 1 run off 15 balls in 17 minutes, but in the second innings, he showed grit and determination, scoring 25 off 36 balls with three crisp boundaries in 59 minutes. His performance behind the stumps was equally impressive, as he claimed five catches in the match—an indication of his sharp skills as a wicketkeeper.
Unfortunately, Atiq’s international career coincided with the era of Moin Khan and Rashid Latif, two legendary wicketkeepers who dominated the Pakistan side from 1991 to 2003. As a result, Atiq’s opportunities were limited, and he played only one Test and three ODIs for Pakistan.
Yet, his domestic record speaks volumes about his talent. In the 2000–01 season, he broke the longstanding record for the most dismissals in a season with 76 victims and also set a domestic limited-overs record by claiming six dismissals in a single game. He later had three successful league cricket seasons in England before returning to domestic cricket with Sui Southern Gas Company in 2007–08.
Today, Atiq-uz-Zaman resides in England, continuing his involvement in cricket as a coach, carrying forward the passion that once earned him the green cap. His story is one of talent, timing, and the challenges of competing in a golden era for Pakistan’s wicketkeeping.
📺 Watch this rare footage and relive the story of Atiq-uz-Zaman’s only Test match for Pakistan.
00:00In the annals of Pakistan cricket, there are players whose career flickered briefly at
00:05the highest level, yet carried a story worth remembering.
00:09One such cricketer is Atiku Zaman, a right-handed batsman and an accomplished wicket-keeper
00:14born on 30 November 1975.
00:17Atiku Zaman earned his solitary test cap against Sri Lanka in March 2000 during the second
00:22test match at Peshawar.
00:24His test debut was a stern examination.
00:27In the first innings, he just managed one run from 15 deliveries spanning 17 minutes
00:32at the crease before falling, yet in the second innings, he showcased some greater resolve
00:37and fluency, produced a neat 25 runs of 36 ball innings in 59 minutes, laced with three boundaries,
00:44a knock that reflected both courage and promise.
00:47Behind the stump, Atiku Zaman was more than dependable.
00:50In that match, he produced five catches underlining his sharp reflexes and safe hands.
00:57And the last one on his debut is the wicket-keeper, Atiku Zaman.
01:02He's coming to replace Abdul Ratak as Pakistan have lost their way here.
01:06That one's tied though, no question.
01:10Stick outside edge, so Atik has the disappointment of scoring just a single on debut.
01:16So, a stick edge, the previous delivery, this one a lot finer, two to the keeper, and Sri Lanka
01:29continue to be in control.
01:31Excellent line there by Vikramasingha, and the ball, he can get slight nicks and a very straightforward
01:35catch to Kalubitana.
01:36So, I think he's gone, caught by Kalubitana, also promising 174-7.
01:50Atiku Zaman, the debutant wicket-keeper-batchman.
02:01He's about to start five down now in the second.
02:06And he's done the wicket, two inside in for four.
02:09Well, he's taken the example from the Aranavaks, get used to defeat.
02:13Very nimble, this youngster.
02:15And he's done the wicket with a drive for four.
02:20He took it straight enough to defeat mid-off.
02:24I started to say earlier about this young man that he plays in an orthodox manner,
02:28the information that I have about him.
02:31Not known as a big hitter in the orthodox player.
02:38And that's a very cheeky sweep start as well for a single.
02:42End of the overt, 166 for five.
02:48I keep down the wicket, driving to extra cover, and it's gone for four.
02:52Lovely shot.
02:53Again, use of the feet.
02:58The tendons have come off that over.
03:00175 for five.
03:03Sealed.
03:11Now that's Johanna just flexed.
03:17Caught behind.
03:18They're claiming it.
03:21Umpire Nazir Jr. is asking for the replay the theatre ball had carried.
03:27He's in no doubt that there was an edge, because it was quite thick.
03:30And...
03:32Calewitha Rana, claiming the catch.
03:34Outside edge taken.
03:35Now, did it carry?
03:36That's what's been asked.
03:39Umpire Nazir Jr. has not gone to square leg for the answer.
03:43Well, we'd have to, uh, see that one again, rolling over with it.
03:53Did it carry?
03:58And now, just slowly...
04:01No, I think that, uh, personally, I don't think that can be given.
04:05The hands must go under it.
04:08And, uh, the right decision is made by the third umpire.
04:19So, Calewitha Rana, he wasn't ready to know whether the ball had touched the ground or not.
04:24He just came forward.
04:26Felted in his gloves.
04:27Claimed it.
04:29Artig did the right thing.
04:30Stood there.
04:38They're darting it up.
04:39They couldn't stop that.
04:40Might just run away to the boundary.
04:42And it's no.
04:46It was semi-correctly, they can't.
04:49Couldn't stop the ball from going to the boundary.
04:50Are they in their foot?
04:51But, uh, Pakistan getting a boundary.
04:54Spartistan, 2-0-4 for 5.
04:58And also scoring runs.
05:00Oh, man!
05:04Legs, um, uprooted.
05:06Looking for that angle, probably, Atiko Zaman.
05:09But it was, uh, very nicely bowled by Tamindavas.
05:13A skip cricket by the Sri Lankans.
05:15Tamindavas realized, um, that Atiko was, uh,
05:18where he was causing some a little too much.
05:20Concentrating on the leg stump.
05:22And, uh, knocking it completely off the ground.
05:25So the Sri Lankans really have broken this part
05:27and took a big one for them.
05:29And you could see the delights in Tamindavas.
05:32Atik, bold Tamindavas.
05:34An excellent inning is coming to an end.
05:3725, 200 and 8 for 6.
05:40Atiko Zaman's greatest misfortune was the timing of his career.
05:48During the 1990s and early 2000s, Pakistan was blessed with two stalwart wicket-keepers,
05:54Mohin Khan and Rashid Latif, whose rivalry for the gloves left little room for any other contender.
05:59As a result, Atiko Zaman's international journey was restricted to one test and three ODIs all in the year 2000.
06:08Nevertheless, his domestic record speaks volumes.
06:11In the 2000 and 2001 season, he etched his name into the record books by claiming a staggering 76 dismissals, breaking a long-standing record.
06:19He also set a benchmark in limited overs cricket by affecting six dismissals in a six-match, a feat that highlighted his exceptional wicket-keeping ability.
06:31His career took him to England, where he enjoyed three successful league cricket seasons.
06:36Further awning his craft, later he returned to the Pakistan domestic scene, turning out for Sui Southern Gas Company in the 2007 and 2008 season.
06:43Today he resided in England, involved in coaching and inspiring contribute further to cricket, particularly through county cricket opportunities.
06:52Atiko Zaman may not have enjoyed an extended run in Pakistan colors, but his career remains a tale of talented tested by its circumstances.
07:01In another era with fewer giants to compete with, he might well have carved a much larger legacy.
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