Alishan Sharafu: From Kerala Roots to UAE Cricket Sensation – A Rising Star’s Journey in Asia Cup 2025
Rising Star Makes Mark in Asia Cup
Alishan Sharafu, a 22-year-old born in Kerala, has emerged as a rising star in UAE cricket, representing the nation across various age groups.
In the recent Asia Cup match against India, Sharafu displayed his batting prowess by smashing Axar Patel for a six over extra cover. He went on to score a quick-fire 22 from 17 deliveries before being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah’s yorker.
Journey to Cricket Excellence
Beginning his cricket journey in Dubai at age 10, Sharafu has achieved significant milestones, including captaining the UAE U-19s. His leadership contributed to a historic victory when the UAE defeated Bangladesh in a T20 cricket match in Sharjah in May, marking the Emirates cricket team’s first victory over a Test-playing nation.
At just 17, he made history by scoring the first century in the UAE’s T10 league, smashing 146 off 42 balls with 14 sixes and 11 boundaries, breaking Chris Lynn’s T10 record of 91 off 30.
Recent Achievements and Statistics
In his T20I career, Sharafu has demonstrated remarkable consistency, playing 31 T20Is and accumulating 727 runs at an average of 30. His aggressive batting style is evident from his record of 77 fours and 28 sixes in the format.
His recent performances in T20I matches, particularly against Bangladesh in Sharjah, have solidified his reputation as a reliable middle-order batter. His participation in various T20 leagues has kept him in the spotlight, and looking ahead, Sharafu aims to continue his development as a cricketer, focusing on enhancing his skills and contributing to the UAE’s success on the international stage.
Future Prospects
As a young and talented player, Sharafu is positioned to play a significant role in the future of UAE cricket, potentially inspiring a new generation of cricketers in the region. Speaking about facing cricket powerhouses in the Asia Cup, Sharafu maintains an optimistic outlook, viewing it as an opportunity to compete against ‘one of the best sides in world cricket.’
