From watching Sachin in 2011 WC to learning from best in ILT20: How UAE’s Sharafu is evolving as a batter
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
UAE cricketer Alishan Sharafu still remembers the thrill of watching India lift the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Born in Kerala but raised in the UAE, the 22-year-old batter grew up cheering for Sachin Tendulkar and the Men in Blue as they ended a 28-year wait for glory. “That was my first real memory of cricket,” Sharafu shared with ESPNCricinfo. “I supported India, and seeing them win sparked my passion for the game. It was Sachin’s last World Cup, and I knew right then I wanted to play.”
Sharafu’s journey from fan to international star kicked off early. He debuted in T20Is for UAE at just 17 in 2020, and by 18, he was playing ODIs. In 54 T20Is, he’s racked up 1,271 runs at an average of 30.26 and a strike rate of 132.94, including nine half-centuries and a top score of 90 not out. His aggressive style shines through—take his recent 17-ball 22 against India in the Asia Cup opener, where he smashed three fours and a six. Even as UAE crumbled to 57 all out, Sharafu’s shots, like an inside-out six off Axar Patel and a whip off Jasprit Bumrah, stood out.
Now, Sharafu eyes a strong comeback against Oman on Monday to push UAE into the Super Four stage. After 15 years with the bat, he’s a key player for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 league. In 22 matches over three seasons, he’s scored 442 runs at 24.55 average and 122.43 strike rate, with two fifties and a best of 82 not out. “Every game is a big chance,” he says. “With only two local spots in the XI, you grab it. I played every match in my first ILT20 season in 2024—that was a real privilege.”
Training alongside global stars has sharpened his edge. In the nets, he’s faced West Indies legend Sunil Narine and learned from power-hitter Andre Russell and England’s Phil Salt. “Russell’s my guy to watch—I even asked him his secret to smashing sixes so consistently,” Sharafu reveals. “Narine’s the calmest, smartest player; he reads the game ahead. Chatting with Salt about small tweaks has been gold, even if they don’t always click.”
This exposure has boosted his confidence big time. “Playing with Russell and Narine evolved my batting last season,” he explains. “It gives you that validation, and I carry it to the UAE team. It’s 80% about mindset, and it’s added another gear to my game.” Sharafu adapts seamlessly, stabilizing innings after early wickets or attacking freely when things flow. Team management’s clear roles help him thrive, whether opening or in the middle order.
Balancing cricket with life hasn’t been easy. His parents pushed education first—his mom was skeptical at the start. But Sharafu juggled it all, earning a cybersecurity degree while breaking into UAE’s Under-16 and Under-19 squads at 15, all during high school. “It was tough in university, doing both with no choice,” he admits. “But I met her expectations. Now, cricket’s my priority, though the degree’s a safety net.”
Scouts spotted his talent early. Former analyst AR Srikkanth flagged him for ILT20 under coach Ryan Ten Doeschate (now India’s assistant coach), impressed by his fearless attacking from ball one. “I don’t know where it comes from,” Sharafu laughs. “I’ve always loved taking on bowlers and hitting sixes, even as a kid.”
Off the field, the UAE batter unwinds with FIFA on PlayStation or chilling by the pool or beach. His big dream? “I want to be the player UAE relies on to win matches—the best in the country.” That fire comes from his dad’s sacrifices. “From age 10 to 15, he’d drive me to training every Friday and Saturday, wait at the ground, and push me hard. He’s my biggest supporter—that’s where I get my drive.” With Sharafu’s grit, UAE cricket looks set for exciting times ahead.
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