Who is Arafat Minhas, Pakistan cricket’s rising star all-rounder?

According to Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera, 21-year-old Arafat Minhas has emerged as a key match-winner for Pakistan’s cricket team. During a recent ODI tri-nation final against Sri Lanka, Minhas secured the player of the series award after a decisive performance, scoring 61 runs off 31 balls to lead his team to victory. His contribution was part of a strong series showing, where he accumulated 149 runs and nine wickets.

Minhas has been widely praised for his dual capability as a "complete all-rounder," becoming only the third Pakistani player to record both a half-century and five wickets in a single men's ODI match. His breakout performance included a standout game against England in October, where he dismantled the opposing lineup with six wickets and contributed 59 runs. Furthermore, his professional trajectory began with a historic debut against Australia in May, during which he became the first Pakistani to take five wickets in his first ODI appearance.

The athlete’s development began in Multan, guided by his father, Kashif, who redirected Minhas from fast bowling toward left-arm spin at a young age. To ensure his sons’ training continued during pandemic lockdowns, Kashif constructed a private practice facility on their rooftop. Now, the family’s cricketing legacy continues to expand, as Minhas’s younger brother, Sameer, has been selected for Pakistan's Test squad, and their youngest brother, Abdullah, is also training as a cricketer. The brothers' father hopes to eventually see all three play for the national team together.

Source: Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera — https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/10/31/who-is-arafat-minhas-pakistan-crickets-rising-star-all-rounder?traffic_source=rss