Alishan Sharafu

"UAE vs BAN Highlights: UAE Secure Historic Series Win With Clinical Demolition of Bangladesh"

 

Introduction :

Alishan Sharafu is a promising young cricketer from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), renowned for his aggressive batting and versatile all-rounder skills. Born on January 10, 2003, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, he represents the UAE national team in international cricket.

🏏 Career Highlights

International Debut:

                   Sharafu made his T20I debut for the UAE against Iran on February 23, 2020, and his One Day International (ODI) debut against Ireland on January 8, 2021. 

Under-19 Success: 

                   He captained the UAE to the Plate title at the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, showcasing his leadership and batting prowess. 

Domestic Leagues:

                   Sharafu has been a standout performer in various T20 leagues, including the DP World ILT20. In January 2025, he scored a match-winning 55 runs for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders against MI Emirates, earning the Player of the Match award. 

International Recognition: 

                  His consistent performances in domestic leagues earned him a spot in the UAE national team for the ACC Premier Cup 2025, where he was the highest run-scorer with 278 runs in six innings, including a top score of 90*.

📊 Playing Style and Strengths:

Alishan Sharafu is a dynamic all-rounder for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recognized for his aggressive batting, adaptability, and growing maturity in the game.

🏏 Batting Style:

Sharafu is a right-handed top-order batsman known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to anchor innings. He has demonstrated his prowess in various formats, including T20 and ODI matches. In the ACC Premier Cup 2025, he was the highest run-scorer for the UAE, amassing 278 runs in six innings, with a top score of 90* and a strike rate of 163.52 .

His adaptability was evident when he shifted from a middle-order role to opening the batting, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the team's needs .

🎯 Strengths: 

 Adaptability: 

            Sharafu's ability to adjust his batting position demonstrates his flexibility and team-first attitude.

Consistency:

             He has been a reliable performer, often anchoring innings and providing stability to the batting lineup.

Power Hitting: 

             Sharafu possesses the ability to accelerate the scoring rate, making him a valuable asset in the middle and lower order.

Maturity:

            Under the guidance of coach Lalchand Rajput, Sharafu has developed a more disciplined approach to batting, focusing on building partnerships and finishing games effectively .

🧠 Mindset and Approach

Alishan Sharafu's mindset and approach to cricket have evolved significantly, reflecting a blend of aggression, maturity, and adaptability.

🧠 Mental Approach

Sharafu emphasizes the importance of batting deep and finishing games, a philosophy instilled by UAE coach Lalchand Rajput. Rajput advocates for the "Khadoos" (stubborn) approach, encouraging players to value their wicket and anchor innings. Sharafu adopted this mindset after earlier experiences where he lost his wicket prematurely, notably during a match against Scotland. He now focuses on staying not out and guiding the team to victory when possible .

🎯 Playing Philosophy

While Sharafu enjoys aggressive batting, especially hitting sixes, he understands the need for balance. He credits the DP World ILT20 for providing a platform to refine his skills and learn from experienced players like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. This exposure has helped him develop a more measured approach to his game .

🌟 Role Model

Sharafu admires Ben Stokes for his aggressive yet mature batting and resilience. He aspires to emulate Stokes' ability to change the course of a game and his determination to overcome challenges . Sharafu's mindset and approach reflect a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptability, positioning him as a promising talent in UAE cricket.

🌟 IPL 2025 Auction and Franchise Cricket

Sharafu has been included in the IPL 2025 auction, making him the first Emirati cricketer to enter this prestigious league. His recent performances, including a match-winning 55 runs for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders against MI Emirates in the DP World ILT20, have showcased his potential on a global stage. If selected, Sharafu would join an elite group of cricketers and gain invaluable experience from top-tier players.

🏆 International Recognition

Sharafu's stellar performance in the ACC Premier Cup 2025, where he was the highest run-scorer with 278 runs in six innings, has solidified his position in the UAE national team. His contributions were instrumental in the team's qualification for the 2025 Asia Cup, marking their return after nine years. 

📈 Emerging Talent in Associate Cricket

Despite challenges such as limited playing opportunities in leagues like the ILT20, Sharafu's consistent performances have highlighted his potential. His adaptability and growth as a batsman and all-rounder position him as a key figure in UAE cricket's future endeavors.

🚀 Future Prospects

With his inclusion in the IPL auction and continued success in international tournaments, Sharafu is poised to become a significant player in global cricket. His journey reflects the evolving landscape of Associate nation cricketers making their mark on the international stage.