Karim made a reputation for himself as a useful lower-order batsman but predominantly as a left-arm spinner.
Karim also holds the unique distinction of having captained his country in both representative cricket and Davis Cup tennis.
Karim retired from international cricket following the 1999 World Cup in England but was persuaded to return to add experience to Kenya's squad for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa where he helped Kenya become the first non-Test match playing nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
During the Super Sixes match against Australia, Karim gave the Australians a scare with figures of 8.2-6-7-3 and collecting Man-of-the-match honours.
Karim represented Kenya in a Davis Cup tie against Egypt in 1988.