Cricketers Born on October 31

Imran HaiderAE
Imran Haider

38y / 1987

Bowler

Ish SodhiNZ
Ish Sodhi

33y / 1992

Bowler

Ramnath ParkarIN
Ramnath Parkar

79y / 1946

Batsman

Dodger WhysallENG
Dodger Whysall

138y / 1887

Wicket-keeper batsman

C.K.NayuduIN
C.K.Nayudu

130y / 1895

Batsman

Player Info

1976 – Teenage Javed Miandad Makes History

At just 19 years and 141 days, Javed Miandad became the youngest player ever to score a Test double-century, blasting 206 in only his third Test. Pakistan piled up 565 for 9 in Karachi, but New Zealand fought back through Warren Lees (152) and Richard Hadlee (81), whose 186-run stand for the seventh wicket saved the follow-on. Over 1,500 runs were scored in the match, which ended in a draw.

1990 – Waqar Younis Announces Himself to the World

In Faisalabad, Waqar Younis destroyed New Zealand to seal Pakistan’s 3-0 Test series sweep. After Pakistan were bowled out for just 102, thanks to Chris Pringle’s 7 for 52 (he later admitted to ball-tampering), Waqar hit back with match figures of 12 for 130, including 7 for 76 in the first innings. His 29 wickets at an average of 10.86 across the series announced the arrival of one of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers.

1895 – Birth of India’s First Test Captain

CK Nayudu, India’s first Test captain, was born on this day. A powerful hitter and useful bowler, Nayudu led India in their debut Test in 1932 at the age of 36. His most memorable innings came at The Oval in 1936, when he battled through injury to score 81 and save India from an innings defeat. He played first-class cricket for an astonishing six decades, retiring at 68, and remains a pioneering figure in Indian cricket history.

1987 – Chetan Sharma’s Historic World Cup Hat-Trick

India’s Chetan Sharma made history in Nagpur by taking the first-ever World Cup hat-trick, clean bowling Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith, and Ewen Chatfield with consecutive deliveries. India crushed New Zealand by nine wickets, chasing 222 in just 32.1 overs. Kris Srikkanth (75 off 58) and Sunil Gavaskar (103 off 85) produced a dazzling opening stand, with Gavaskar registering his only ODI century in 108 matches.

1887 – Birth of “Dodger” Whysall

Born in Nottingham, William “Dodger” Whysall was a solid, defensive opener for England and Nottinghamshire, amassing over 20,000 first-class runs. He shared 40 century opening partnerships with George Gunn and made two fifties in his first two Tests in Australia. Tragically, he died aged 43 after developing septicaemia from a fall on a dance floor.

1984 – Tragedy Halts the Indo-Pak Series

The second ODI between India and Pakistan in Sialkot was abandoned following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The rest of the series, including a Test match, was cancelled. The event also cast a shadow over England’s tour of India, which began shortly after, as political tensions ran high.

2019 – Ish Sodhi’s Journey in Black Caps Colours

Born in Ludhiana, India, Ish Sodhi rose through New Zealand’s ranks to become a reliable limited-overs spinner. His standout moment came at the 2016 World T20, when his 3 for 18 against India triggered a dramatic collapse in Nagpur. In 2018, he briefly held the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, and in Test cricket, his gritty 56 in Christchurch* against England helped New Zealand save the match.

Last updated on: October 27, 2025