Waqar Younis remains one of cricket’s most iconic fast bowlers — known for his brutal pace, late reverse swing, and unrelenting toe-crushers that earned him the nickname “The Toe Crusher.” Over the years, his contributions to cricket have extended far beyond the field — as a captain, coach, commentator, and ambassador for the sport.
According to Surprise Sports, Waqar Younis’s estimated net worth in 2025 is $35 million, accumulated through his international playing career, coaching roles, commentary gigs, and endorsements.
Early years and rise to international stardom
Born on November 16, 1971, in Vehari, Punjab, Waqar Younis was raised in a Punjabi Jat family and spent part of his youth in Sharjah, UAE. His cricket journey began in the late 1980s, with a breakthrough moment coming when Imran Khan spotted his talent during a televised match, leading to his selection for Pakistan’s national team despite having played only six first-class matches.
He made his Test debut against India and ODI debut against West Indies in 1989, and quickly formed a lethal bowling duo with Wasim Akram, revolutionizing reverse swing in world cricket.
International career: Records and leadership
Waqar’s ability to deliver at high pace with incredible swing made him one of the most feared bowlers of his generation. Over his international career, he took:
- 373 wickets in 87 Tests
- 416 wickets in 262 ODIs
He holds the record as the fastest to 400 ODI wickets, and also boasts the second-best strike rate among bowlers with 350+ Test wickets.
Waqar captained Pakistan in 17 Tests and 62 ODIs, and at just 22 years and 15 days, he became the youngest Pakistani to lead a Test side. He retired from international cricket in 2003.
Coaching, commentary, and contracts
Following his retirement, Waqar transitioned into various coaching roles:
- Bowling Coach (2006–07)
- Head Coach (2010–11 and 2014–16)
- Bowling Coach again (2019–21)
He has also worked in commentary and analysis, and in 2022 signed a three-year mentoring contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for domestic cricket.
Here’s a look at his estimated earnings across roles:
| Year | Role | Estimated Earnings (USD) |
| 1989–2003 | Player | $5–7 million |
| 2006–2007 | Bowling Coach | $200,000–300,000 |
| 2010–2011 | Head Coach | $400,000–500,000 |
| 2014–2016 | Head Coach | $500,000–600,000 |
| 2019–2021 | Bowling Coach | $300,000–400,000 |
| 2022–2025 | Commentary/Mentoring | $1–2 million |
Endorsements and business interests
Waqar’s commercial appeal extended beyond his playing days. He has endorsed both local and global brands, including:
- Pepsi (during his active career)
- Coca-Cola (post-retirement)
- Mobilink (Pakistani telecom company)
- Boom Boom Cricket (mobile game)
These partnerships helped build his wealth and global recognition off the field.
Personal life
Waqar Younis has been married to Dr. Faryal Waqar Younis, a Pakistani-Australian doctor, since 2000. The couple has three children — a son, Azaan, and daughters Mariam and Maira.
Career stats vs major teams
Waqar’s performances across nations highlight his consistency and dominance over more than a decade:
| Opponent | Tests (Wkts) | ODIs (Wkts) |
| India | 4 (8) | 26 (37) |
| Australia | 12 (30) | 30 (29) |
| England | 11 (50) | 14 (30) |
| South Africa | 7 (24) | 32 (58) |
| West Indies | 13 (55) | 43 (60) |
| New Zealand | 13 (70) | 37 (79) |
| Sri Lanka | 13 (56) | 51 (84) |
Conclusion
From his blistering debut in the late 1980s to his roles as coach, commentator, and mentor, Waqar Younis has remained one of the most enduring and respected figures in cricket. With a net worth of $35 million, he stands not just as a cricketing icon but as one of the most financially successful sports personalities in Pakistan’s history.
